DMCC and MetTube host Dubai business showcase for Lord Bagri CBE

The Honourable Mr. Apurv Bagri, a prominent businessman and the Managing Director of the Metdist Group of companies, also attended the networking event at the Burj Al Arab.

Lord Bagri, whose business interests have earned him distinction in the UK, Malaysia, Thailand and India, is in Dubai for a three-day visit to identify investment opportunities and conduct a series of one on one meetings with companies such as DMCC, The Palm, and JAFZA to name but a few. With specific interests in DMCC from a commodities perspective, the accomplished businessman hopes to establish links with DMCC and thus expand his business interests in the region.

During the event, Lord Bagri commented on the dynamic manner in which Dubai has established itself as an international hub for commerce and industry.

Speaking on Lord Bagri's behalf, Mr. Achal Ghai, Group Regional Director of MetTube, said that: "DMCC's enthusiasm coupled with their knowledge and commercial vision are extremely encouraging. I believe that this region, especially the UAE and Dubai on account of its ideal location, are poised to be strategic hubs in the international trade of metals and commodities."

Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre, Chairman and CEO, Tawfique Abdullah, said, "Lord Bagri's contribution to the international metals trade and industry is widely recognised. He is the Honorary President of the London Metal Exchange and has been awarded the "'Commander of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire' (CBE)" in 1995 for services to the business world and the metals manufacturing industry. DMCC welcomes this chance to facilitate Lord Bagri, Mr. Apurv Bagri and their team. DMCC has always looked to create industry-networking opportunities - effectively bringing together businesses and individuals who wish to establish commercial operations in Dubai"

Lord Bagri's business interests include Metdist, MetTube and Metrod. Metdist is one of the eleven "Ring dealing" members of the London Metal Exchange (LME). Metrod, a Malaysian public company established in 1981, has substantial manufacturing facilities in Malaysia for the production of copper rods, wire, strips etc.

MetTube, established in 1989 in association with Mitsubishi (15%), is one of the world's largest producers of thin wall and inner grooved copper tube for the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry.

The group has an office for MetTube in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. Lord Bagri CBE outlined a wish to return to Dubai in the near future to further develop relationships with the local business community. Summarising his visit, Lord Bagri commented: "I am enthused by my visit to Dubai and greatly look forward to the possibility of working with DMCC, JAFZA and local business groups.

Lord Bagri has been given many recognitions and awards, as well as being conferred with two honorary Doctorates, from University of Nottingham and City University. He is the recipient of the 2002 Copper Man of the Year by the Copper Club Inc., was made a Life Peer in 1997 further to his CBE in 1995. He is also a member of the Malaysian British Business Council, set up to promote trade and business between the two countries.

The Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC) was created as a strategic goal of the Dubai Government to establish a commodity market place in Dubai. DMCC is committed to its role as innovator and regulator, to serve the needs of participants in the Dubai gold, diamonds and commodities market.

DMCC offers resident partners numerous benefits, including a secure regulated environment, special freight rates, a fifty-year tax holiday and the benefit of ownership of business premises.