DTCM backs official Dubai pavilion at World Free Trade Zones Expo

The 200 square metres pavilion is set to host seven of the emirate's free zones at the show, which will take place in Mumbai, from September 30 to October 2.

In a letter to free zone operators, Khalid A bin Sulayem, Director General, DTCM says: "This exhibition is of particular importance to Dubai since it will provide a unique forum to promote and attract investors to the emirate's free zones, ensuring they remain pace-setting, fast lanes of economic development.

"As well as showcasing Dubai as a modern, forward thinking, business hub for the region, the pavilion will ensure the maximum optimisation of the business opportunities presented at the expo."

The World Free Trade Zones Expo 2002, will bring together operators, investors and regulators under one roof. It is targeting airport and port free zones, off shore zones, software technology parks, biotech parks, export promotion industrial zones, hardware technology parks, special economic promotion zones, info-media parks and dedicated real estate parks.

"The DTCM'S support reaffirms the Dubai government's commitment to develop and expand the country's free zones, as part of its strategy to create a broad-based and diversified economy," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman of International Expo Consults (IEC), joint organisers of the expo with Indian event management company, DimensionFour (India) Pvt. Ltd.

"There is already substantial Indian investment in Dubai's free zones and this show is a must attend event for everyone involved in their setting up or management. It will allow operators and investors to meet face-to-face, to compare and evaluate investment opportunities, and help to channel further investment into participating free zones."

Supported by India's federal Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Maharashtra state government, the India Trade Promotion Organisation and the Software Technology Parks of India, the World Free Trade Zones Expo 2002 is also backed by the country's 29 state industry development corporations.

Alongside the expo an industry conference and series of exhibitor seminars will address critical issues including world trade developments; incentives; government policies; investment opportunities; global trade blocks; growth areas; industrial finance; insurance and human resources.

"The conferences and seminars will act as a primer for the regional free zone sector by shedding light on the latest industry thinking and developments," said Prakash Lulla, director DimensionFour.

"World renowned conference speakers will share their experience and expertise with delegates, while the seminars will provide free zone operators with a dedicated forum to promote their services to potential investors and clients."

The World Free Trade Zones Expo 2002 is IEC's second joint venture in India, following on from Sign & Graphic Imaging India 2002, which will take place from September 25-27