TechnoPark to head WTA Africa and Middle East region

The appointments were made at the 20th WTA Executive Board Meeting held in Hsinchu City in Taiwan.

Hamad Al Hashemi, speaking about the new developments said:

"These appointments are a reflection of the leadership role that TechnoPark will play in promoting R&D led innovation in the MENA region. For TechnoPark it is an honour to spearhead the exchange of new technologies and know-how and to facilitate investments in research and development within the region. TechnoPark was set up with this mandate in mind and we are moving closer towards our goal."

He added: "To kick-start procedures and reaffirm its commitment, TechnoPark will host the first meeting of the WTA Arab & Africa Region in Dubai at the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress this November. As technology makes advancements across the globe it is important to foster a culture of innovation right here in the Middle East to accelerate sustainable economic development and to make the region technologically capable and globally competitive."

TechnoPark, as part of its directive, recently conducted several workshops on "Science Park Development' in Oran, Algeria and in Abuja, Nigeria. These workshops were organised by the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), in cooperation with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to develop the frame work of the first Science and Technology setup in both countries. The objective of the Workshop was to promote the role of Science Parks in facilitating innovation and to implement strategies for business incubators.

Hamad Al Hashemi, representing TechnoPark also recently visited Jordan to explore further collaboration following the three MoUs signed by UAE-Jordan Joint Economic Committee in April 2009. He met with the Jordan Minister of Industry and Trade, the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), the Royal Scientific Society, Jordan Industrial Estates Corporation (JIEC), members of the Jordan Upgrading & Modernization Programme, (JUMP) and the Development Zones Commission.

TechnoPark, one of the leading purpose-built technology incubators in the region, in recent years has become an active and vital member of several international organisations including WTA and International Association of Science Parks (IASP), contributing to the development of science and technology led growth in the region. Last year it hosted the Middle East's first WTA Techno-Mart.