2nd Global Dubai Tea Forum 2008 opens

This announcement was made by Dubai Tea Trading Centre (DTTC), an initiative of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

Representatives from tea producing and consuming nations are participating in the forum, which is being held at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai.

Farid Mohammed Ahmed, Secretary General, Dubai World, will deliver the keynote address of the forum, which will see participation of over 300 leading industry personnel from across the value chain of the tea industry.

Sanjay Sethi, Head of DTTC, said:

"The 2nd Global Dubai Tea Forum has witnessed an overwhelming response from the global tea industry. The 2008 forum will see engaging discussions on a range of key topics, including ways to bridge production and supply imbalances, changes in consumptions patterns, new technical and logistical developments as well as lifestyle-related trends."

He added: "Since its establishment, DTTC has worked towards establishing Dubai as a gateway for the global tea trade, and the Global Dubai Tea Forum is an important step towards this direction."

The forum will also organise a tea tasting session of various Darjeeling teas, with the objective of providing insight into the special characteristics of the world-famous teas. In addition, the United Planters Association of Southern India and the Tea Board of India will host the fourth Golden Leaf India Awards: Southern Tea Competition, which will recognise and acknowledge exceptional taste and quality among some 60 varieties of Southern Indian teas.