Potential for Middle East's e-commerce ventures to succeed, says Tejari

The Middle East online marketplace was a key participant at the 1st GCC E-Commerce Conference & Exhibition, a major regional event in Abu Dhabi held under the patronage HH General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister. The gathering attracted the leaders of e-commerce initiatives from across all the Gulf countries, and topics discussed included drafting a unified Gulf e-commerce law, developing e-payment and unifying online governmental purchase orders.

"A raft of government initiatives- both political and financial - have helped boost Internet as well as broadband penetration across the region. Much potential exists in the Middle East for early stage e-commerce and online ventures to succeed if planned and executed carefully," said Omar Hijazi, chief executive officer, Tejari.

"This unique, first-of-its-kind event gives an established entity like Tejari the ideal platform to highlight our commitment to the technological development of the UAE, share our expertise and aid local governments as they endeavor to upgrade existing standards,"

he added.

In his presentation, entitled 'Decrypting the Region's Potential', Hijazi highlighted the two major challenges facing regional e-commerce growth: slow uptake of online payments facilities and the general public's acceptance to utilize online transaction services. He went on to discuss ways in which these issues could be addressed.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning in cooperation with the Secretariat General of the GCC, the General Information Authority in UAE, and the Secretariat General of the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

H.H Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, gave the keynote speech at the conference, which also included a speech by HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Economy and Planning and Tejari Board Member.