Under the theme “Fostering Recovery: WTCs and the Exhibitions Industry”, the Expo Centre Sharjah recently participated in a virtual international meeting organized by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) to strengthen international cooperation in exploring future visions and to put forward realistic solutions and recommendations that help develop the necessary plans for revitalizing the exhibitions and conferences industry and its role in the economic development.

This comes as part of the Centre’s keenness to keep up to date with the global developments of the exhibitions sector, which has been affected by the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Moderated by His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, CEO of the Expo Centre Sharjah, the meeting held in the presence of Ana Maria Arango, Regional Manager, Latin America, UFI, Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director and CEO, UFI, and Pamela Pascual, President & CEO, World Trade Centre Metro Manila.

Proactive efforts

Highlighting the early recovery efforts exerted by the UAE to speed up the comeback of the exhibitions and conferences sector, Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa pointed out that such efforts have been the main reason for the return of the activities and events since last September.

Al-Midfa pointed to the UAE Government’s economic stimulus package, including tailor-made initiatives for the exhibitions sector, resulting in further stability for the industry stakeholders and the sustainability of their businesses.

Economic rebound

Through video footage, Al-Midfa shed light on the Centre’s experience in the return to organizing and hosting local activities and events which attracted a high turnout, whether by the visitors or the exhibitors, thanks to the Centre’s commitment to applying the strictest precautionary measures to maintain the health and safety of everyone.

“Such events greatly helped the local business community in showcasing its products, as well as enhanced the society’s confidence in the return to normal life,”

He hinted that the Centre’s loaded agenda with new exhibitions that aim to stimulate the local economic sector, praising the remarkable response of the exhibiting companies to register and take part in the upcoming events.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Midfa threw light on the landmark step by Sharjah Book Fair (SBF) which concluded as the first successful on-ground and in-person global trade exhibition amid Covid-19.

Located in more than 90 countries and supported by 15,000 WTC professionals, the WTCA stimulates trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies, and international businesses looking to connect globally and prosper locally.