AUIEC Unanimously Ratifies The Launch Of First Hybrid Trade Fair For Arab Countries

The Board of Directors of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences, AUIEC, which operates under the umbrella of the Council of Arab Economic Unity of the Arab League, has ratified the launch of the “First Trade Fair for the Arab Countries”, as part of the AUIEC’s efforts to strengthen the inter-Arab cooperation and lay the foundations for a strong and sustainable Arab economy across the exhibitions and conferences sector.

The announcement was made during the virtual periodic meeting held recently under the chairmanship of His Excellency Saif Muhammad Al-Midfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences, a member of the Sharjah Consultative Council and CEO of the Expo Center Sharjah, in the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Muhammad Al-Rabee, Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, His Excellency Mahmoud Youssef Al-Jarrah, Secretary-General of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences, representatives of 12 member states of the Union.

The meeting touched on discussing a number of plans and proposals to be implemented in 2021, including the launch of a series of specialized virtual courses for those interested in the exhibitions industry to refine their skills and get them acquainted with the pertinent best international practices. In addition, the meeting discussed a proposal on establishing a specialized E-magazine covering exhibitions and conferences news in the member states, so as to create effective networking channels between all Arab countries.

Commending the AUIEC’s efforts since the Covid-19 outbreak, Mohammed Muhammad Al-Rabee pointed out that the constant communication between the member states through the periodic meetings and forums would help develop the exhibitions industry in the Arab countries, pointing to the current formidable challenges which entail further collective efforts to achieve the AUIEC’s strategic objectives in terms of developing economic cooperation and increasing trade exchange between Arab countries.

Al-Rabee called for reactivating the joint Arab work and taking serious and impactful steps to strengthen the infrastructure of Arab industries and products, highlighting the need to find alternatives to imported raw materials to cope with the rapid developments in the global economy.

Saif Muhammad Al-Midfa lauded the commitment of the member states to attending such meetings which reflect the keenness of their respective governments to promote this sector, pointing to the approval of the launch of the “First Trade Fair for the Arab Countries”, stressing that the new event will be a significant step forward in getting through the challenges faced by Arab manufacturers and producers.

Al-Midfa explained that the fair will be a forum for businessmen and trade development agencies, as well as chambers of commerce and industry, and a platform for member states to showcase their products and services and conclude trade deals and partnerships.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Midfa referred to the long-term goals the new event is keeping an eye on, including Introducing companies’ products and services, developing Arab trade exchange, enhancing bilateral investment, highlighting investment, trade and economy opportunities in the Arab region, opening new markets for the products and industries of the participating Arab countries, and stimulating intra-trade.

Mahmoud Youssef Al-Jarrah welcomed the joining of the Association De La FoireInternationale De Sfax, Tunis, to the AUIEC, pointing out that the “First Trade Fair for the Arab Countries” will be organized in a hybrid way through the combination of the traditional and virtual method of exhibitions, adding that the fair area of focus will be building and construction, agriculture and its supplies, foodstuff, furniture and furnishings, clothing and fashion, communication and information technology, medical supplies, handicraft products.