ExpoForum - the region's first networking platform for industry decision-makers launched at Expo Centre Sharjah

A much needed industry platform, the first ExpoForum is dedicated to the GCC's garment industry. The launch preceded the opening of the tenth edition of Texpo (15 to 19 February 2004) at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa said, "In an increasingly competitive and fast changing global marketplace, there is a constant need to work together on common industry and regional issues.

"The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry is committed to providing its Chamber members with the right framework, ideas and solutions to develop and sustain leading competitiveness. For the various industries to really address and find solutions to issues affecting them, we saw a strong need for an industry specific, focussed platform.

"ExpoForum now provides different industries of the UAE and subsequently the GCC region with this platform. It will link senior entrepreneurs and executives within the regional industry through quarterly meetings organised at Expo Centre Sharjah, enabling them to interact, discuss and address issues affecting their industry."

Commenting on the wider role of ExpoForum, Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Deputy Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah said, "With competitive pressures increasing everywhere, today there's no hiding place in the global marketplace. In addition to providing a platform for addressing industry-related topics, ExpoForum will act as a catalyst for business growth in the region. Members will benefit from information on industry trends, keynote addresses by internationally renowned industry experts and networking opportunities."

Speaking specifically on the launch of the Forum for the Garment Industry, Mr. Midfa said, "The garment industry today faces numerous challenges, with globalisation and a fast changing marketplace on the one hand, and the lifting of export quota restrictions in 2005 under the WTO's Agreement on Textile and Clothing on the other.

"In no other time perhaps, has there been a greater need for the industry's entrepreneurs and professionals to become proactive and work together on common industry and regional issues. The Forum for the Garment Industry now makes this possible for them," he concluded.

Membership to ExpoForum is restricted to leading decision-makers of UAE's and subsequently regional industry. The forum offers a number of privileges to members, including access to dedicated parking areas, access to the VIP lounge at Expo Centre Sharjah, automated pre-registration during exhibitions at the Centre and various other benefits.