Indian CG meets Expo Centre CEO – Proposes new trade show to facilitate better Indian participation in Expo events
Sharjah, 21 April 2014
Sharjah and India, which is the UAE’s largest trading partner, are moving fast to strengthen their trade ties and stimulate mutual investment opportunities, apart from building partnerships in key growth sectors.
Following a meeting of Sharjah’s Emirati and Indian business community with the Indian Embassy officials in February this year, H.E. Anurag Bhushan, Consul General of India in Dubai, and Mr. P.K. Ashok Babu, Deputy Consul General, met with Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, at the Expo premises on Sunday (April 20).
During the discussions they held with Mr. Midfa, the visiting Indian team presented a series of proposals aimed at further boosting the already firm business and cultural relations between Sharjah and India.
“Sharjah and the UAE have had strong trade and cultural ties with India since centuries. Expo Centre Sharjah too has tie-ups with several Indian associations and trade entities that facilitate Indian participation in our shows. We are happy to work with Indian authorities and trade representatives to further boost these ties,” said Mr. Midfa.
He said that Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah have played key roles in furthering UAE-India ties, and cited the India Trade & Exhibition Centre (ITEC) which is situated within the Expo City that also houses Expo Centre Sharjah. ITEC promotes trade and investment between India and regional countries.
The Indian team was keen to launch a trade show that will provide a reliable platform for manufacturers, traders, exporters and importers from India to promote their products and services to the Arab, South Asian and other nationalities working, living and doing business in the region, apart from exploring opportunities in the promising African markets.
It also sought to boost Indian participation in trade fairs organised by Expo Centre Sharjah, especially Halal Middle East Exhibition & Congress.
“With the UAE aiming to become the halal hub of the world, India has much to gain from taking part in Halal Middle East. Some of our shows already have good Indian participation and we too are keen to have a bigger Indian presence for our B2B and B2C shows,” said Mr. Midfa.
Expo Centre has tie-ups with the All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA) and Indian Printing, Packaging and the Allied Machinery Manufacturers' Association (IPAMA) for the Plastivision Arabia and Print Pack Arabia trade shows, respectively. Besides, India has big presence in the popular MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show.
“Sharjah has much to offer to Indian businesses. The Emirate’s strategic location, strong Indian business community & expat population, vast consumer base, availability of cheap feedstock, favourable tax laws, and low cost of operations make it a perfect base for Indian businesses to foray into the Middle East and Africa region,” added Mr. Midfa.
The UAE and India are also working to finalise a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, which aims to enhance investments between the two countries.
Last year, Expo Centre Sharjah had hosted the prestigious South Indian International Movie Awards ceremony. With Indian festivals being celebrated in the UAE in a big way, the visiting Indian team was of the opinion that Expo Centre Sharjah, which is well equipped to organise events of any size and splendour, can play host to some of the festivals, which will enhance the cultural ties between the countries.
According to the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Sharjah is home to a large number of Indian establishments, with 17,350 Indian companies registered with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and, in 2012, trade between India and Sharjah stood at Dhs 21.162 billion.