Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) engaged in discussions with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)'s Middle East members to explore ways to enhance strategic cooperation aimed at advancing the growth and development of the exhibition industry within the region. This dialogue underscored the pivotal role of the exhibitions sector in fostering economic growth, facilitating business connections, and promoting cross-border trade and investment.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting took place as Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Chairman of Expo Centre Sharjah, welcomed a group of WTCA Members. The gathering was attended by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and Member of WTCA's Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council, along with Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), and several officials from the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah.
The focus of the meeting was on prospective initiatives to host joint events and sector-specific exhibitions, as well as the launch of training programs and capacity-building workshops. Discussions also highlighted the importance of developing the digital infrastructure of exhibition centers to align with global trends and reinforce their role as platforms for innovation and cross-market engagement.
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais affirmed that the meeting reflects the pioneering efforts undertaken by the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah to establish the emirate as a global hub for exhibitions, commerce, and logistics services. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa emphasized that the World Trade Centers Association is a strategic partner to Expo Centre Sharjah in driving the exhibition industry's sustainable growth and unlocking new global opportunities through fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and best practice sharing.
He further stressed the growing importance of strengthened cooperation among regional trade centres to align with global industry trends, tap into business tourism and exhibition markets, and reinforce support for enterprises by improving market access and fostering a dynamic business ecosystem.
WTCA Members expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to them and the strategic discussions held during the meeting. They commended the UAE's achievements and Sharjah's significant progress in the exhibition industry over recent years. The visit concluded with a tour of the Permanent Industrial Exhibition at the Sharjah Chamber, where WTCA Members were introduced to a diverse array of local industries and products, showcasing the emirate's expanding industrial capabilities and manufacturing advancements.