Source: www.ameinfo.com
Anthony Parkes, Director of the World Chambers Federation (WCF), ICC’s global network of chambers of commerce, concluded his four-day site inspection of Dubai as a follow up to Emirate’s bid to host the 8th World Chamber’s Congress in 2013. The top executive of WFC got a first-hand account of the city’s readiness in hosting the world’s biggest and most significant Congress that is eyeing the Middle East for its event held biannually in different parts of the world.
Besides his familiarisation tour of Dubai’s major attractions and facilities, Anthony Parkes met a number of heads of prominent Dubai entities starting with HE Hamad Buamim, Director General of Dubai Chamber who apprised him with Dubai’s track record in hosting global events on the back of its state-of-the-art infrastructure and its capabilities to host top-class conferences like the World Chambers Congress which brings together hundreds of representatives from over 12,000 chambers around the world.
Citing the position of Dubai as a global destination for hosting and organising world-class exhibitions and events, Buamim informed that Dubai is a fitting candidate for hosting a mega global business event like the World Chambers Congress. He also stressed upon the Emirate’s unique accessibility and excellent infrastructure including the Dubai International Airport, which is rated one of the best airports in the world, and the subsequent opening of Al Maktoum International Airport which will greatly enhance the movement of cargo and passenger traffic in the next two years. He also focused on Dubai Metro, the first of its kind in the Middle East which provides a modern means of transportation to visitors and residents, as well as the availability of a number of current and future hotel rooms which is expected to boost the inflow of tourists and businessmen to the Emirate.
Anthony Parkes had several fruitful meetings with officials of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Emirates Group, the Roads and Transport Authority as well as representatives of several business groups and councils, operating under the aegis of Dubai Chamber.
At the conclusion of his tour of prominent Dubai attractions and landmarks, Anthony Parkes expressed his delight with the economic growth of Dubai and the availability of world-class infrastructure and facilities which is a pre-requisite for hosting the prestigious Congress.
Held every two years in different regions of the world, the World Chambers Congress is the only international forum that is attended by hundreds of chamber heads representing over 12,000 chambers of the world to share best practice experience, develop networks and learn about new areas of innovation from other chambers as they face the challenge of remaining relevant to the companies in their region while learning from their peers’ new trends, products, ways to do business and means to finance their activities.
Dubai welcomes the Congress as it will provide the ideal opportunity for chambers here to expand the scope of their activities and become an integral part of the World Chambers Federation. In the case of Dubai Chamber winning the bid to host the Congress in 2013 it will not only make the UAE the first country in the Middle East to organize such a grand business event but will help showcase the country’s business potential to the world.
Besides Dubai Chamber, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry has also bid for hosting the 8th World Chamber’s Congress to be held in the region in 2013. Results of the bid will be announced by WCF at the end of the year.
