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This pioneering venture has opened a window for Italian companies to access emerging markets' buyers and sellers and conversely, for companies in the region to have access to high-end "Made in Italy" products in key segments such as fashion, furniture, engineering services and interior design amongst others.
The venture also marks the opening of the first Milan Chamber of Commerce and Fiera Milano's representative office in Abu Dhabi. Fiera Milano, which is the largest trade fair in Europe, has offices around the world but this will be its first presence in the Emirates setting the foundations for a strong trade relationship between Italy and the UAE.
Omar Hijazi, CEO of Tejari said:
"Expanding our services to Italy is extremely significant as it validates the growing strength and momentum of Tejari and it underlines the growing strategic value of emerging markets for G7 countries. This alliance has created a powerful platform that will easily connect Milanese and Lombardian businesses with the Middle Eastern region. It also marks another milestone for Tejari's overall strategy and vision to become a truly global online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers across the world."
The portal will initially target approximately (7,000) seven thousand members selected by the Milan Chamber of Commerce. These initial companies will consist of those that already trade internationally, and are now looking for a more efficient way to connect with new markets. As part of this partnership, Tejari aims to develop e-Readiness skills in the Milanese area by providing appropriate e-Commerce training to any businesses joining the portal regardless of their size.
Bruno Ermolli, President of Promos, the Special Agency for International Activities of the Milan Chamber of Commerce said, "This Cooperation Agreement is of strategic importance as it will allow Milanese and Lombardian businesses to directly connect and trade with Middle Eastern companies. Furthermore, the new partnership between the Milan Chamber of Commerce and Tejari is the first step to a bigger alliance between the two countries."
"Once the website is activated, we will launch an e-volunteer program in Milan whereby interns will be dedicated to taking Milanese businesses through the process of registering with the portal, activating them, and deploying B2B matchmaking services to increase the e-Readiness level of Milanese and Lombardian region," Hijazi added.
The e-volunteer program is a unique initiative where interns approach small, medium and large scale private and public sector enterprises, demonstrate the advantages and benefits of e-Commerce, provides skills training, and give practical advice on how to succeed in the global knowledge-based economy.
Tejari, the leading online B2B marketplace for emerging markets is a perfect example of the innovative spirit of Dubai. The company, launched by the Government of Dubai, is one of the most successful units of Dubai World, a holding company that is responsible for much of the emirate's phenomenal economic growth. The online trading portal helps facilitate trade between companies and geographies through the largest buyer network in the Middle East thereby ensuring that more and more businesses in the UAE and emerging markets are becoming "e-ready".
Milan Chamber of Commerce has a thriving relationship with all trade associations across EMEA. Its partnership with Tejari will open a big window of opportunity to the Middle East and augment its competitive advantage for its contribution to the smooth flow of trade between both regions.
Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
