SHARJAH,7th March, 2023 (WAM) -- Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS) is exploring collaboration with the apex body of Indian exhibition and conference organisers, the Council of Indian Exhibition Organisers (CIEO), aiming to provide an impetus to the strong bilateral trade ties between the UAE and India.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said, “Exhibitions are critical enablers of economy and trade, and the memorandum of understanding signed between Expo Centre Sharjah and the CIEO will go a long way in bolstering the already strong trade ties between the countries.”

Al Midfa was speaking after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Expo Centre Sharjah and the CIEO with Syed Mohammad Quaim, Founder of CIEO, at Expo Centre Sharjah on Tuesday. It was also attended by senior Expo Centre executives and members of the CIEO.

“Though relations between the UAE and India have historically been strong, the free trade agreement deal signed a year ago has accelerated these ties further. Through this MoU, Expo Centre and the CIEO will play a key role in boosting these ties by exploring opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures, and new events,” Al Midfa said.

“More than being a gateway to the entire Middle East region, Expo Centre Sharjah, through its pre-eminent position in the country and region, will provide the perfect ecosystem for Indian exhibition organisers and establishments to promote and expand their operations,” he added.

The CIEO is a representative body of Indian exhibition and conference organisers and its members include large and MSME organisers, Indian and international organisers as well as apex chamber and trade associations.

For his part, Syed Mohammad Quaim commented, “We have been exploring partnerships with exhibition organisers and venues in the UAE and are happy to enter into an MoU with Expo Centre Sharjah, the exhibition wing of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. While this would help in facilitating growth of India’s exhibition sector, the UAE and the rest of the GCC countries can take advantage of the surge in trade and investments with India."