The Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) has revealed its participation as a key sponsor at the 2017 Seamless Middle East Summit, which will run from 1st to 2nd May 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center (DICEC).
The event is a global platform that brings together the giants of e-commerce, e-payment and retail leaders. More than 10,000 officials, experts and 350 companies from 100 countries will participate in the event.
The agenda of the event will include a series of seminars and round tables that will be conducted by DAFZA to review and discuss best practices and solutions in the e-commerce sector, particularly across future trends that are aimed at enhancing the experience of the investment community leaders in the Free Zone.
In conjunction with its sponsorship of the event, DAFZA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Union for Electronic Commerce (EFTU), one of the unions of the Council of Arab Economic Unity in the League of Arab States, to exchange knowledge and expertise in the digital economy and electronic e-commerce through exchange and participation in the preparation of joint studies and reports related to the e-commerce market in the Arab world.
The MoU was signed by Nasser Al Madani, Assistant Director General, DAFZA and Abdul Wahab Ahmed Ghoneim, Vice Chairman of the Arab Federation for e-Commerce during a ceremonial signing event held at the DAFZA headquarters.
“DAFZA recognises Dubai’s pivotal role in the e-commerce sector being one of the leading hubs in this field. Following on our commitment to UAE Vision 2021’s goal of positioning the country among the world’s top investment destinations,” said Al Madani. “We have partnered with AFEC to help build a knowledge- and innovation-based economy and encourage investors in the e-commerce industry to adopt facilities and infrastructure for ensuring the safety and success of the industry as well as promoting seamless e-commerce between businesses.”
Under the agreement, both parties will cooperate with Arab governments to develop and harmonise legislation and laws to facilitate the practice of electronic commerce, especially through free zones. The two parties will develop a comprehensive cooperative framework for the establishment of conferences and workshops related to electronic commerce, as well as encouraging and promoting electronic commerce in the Arab world for investors.
Amna Lootah, Assistant Director General of Finance and Commercial Operations, DAFZA, said, “Statistics have recently shown that e-commerce in Dubai is expected to grow to about 10 percent over the next five years and that the UAE’s e-retail sector will grow by 24 percent annually to AED 14.1 billion by 2021. These announced expectations make us look optimistic about the e-commerce sector in the region and that the free zone will play a key role to keep pace with this growth and contribute to the development of the aspects of service and products coming in line with the leaders of the sector.”
The participation of DAFZA in the exhibition will showcase the investment and commercial advantages it offers to investors in products and services that facilitate the creation of their regional businesses with an exceptional experience that will allow them to grow and prosper from Dubai to the world.
Dr. Abdel Wahab Ghoneim, Vice Chairman, Arab Federation of e-Commerce, one of the organisations of the Council of Arab Economic Unity in the League of Arab States, and with the support of H.E Ambassador Mohamed Al Rabea, said, “The Secretary General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity seeks to increase the volume of intra-Arab trade through e-commerce transboundary, This is why we have sought to sign a MoU in conjunction with the digital economy conference, Seamless E-Commerce, with DAFZA, in view of its pivotal role in supporting and promoting economic growth at the local and regional levels. We are confident in joint initiatives and activities, which reinforces the role of Dubai and the UAE as a major hub for the global economy.”
