As further testimony of its significant role within the UAE economy, Dubai Tea Trading Centre (DTTC), an initiative of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCCA), announced today that its 3rd Global Tea Forum will be held under the patronage of His Excellency HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy. The only event in the region specific to the global tea industry, the forum is expecting over 350 delegates, representing the entire value chain of the tea industry.
The event, will be held from March 9-10, 2010 at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, and is set to feature industry specialists from across the globe. Key speakers will include HE Sheikh Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori; Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC; Sanjay Sethi, Director, DTTC; Basudeb Banerjee, Chairman, India Tea Board; William Gorman, Executive Chairman, UK Tea Council; and Sicily Kariuki, Managing Director, Kenya Tea Board; Louise Roberge, President, Tea Association of Canada, amongst many others. There will also be presentations and panel discussions from tea industry players from Sri Lanka, China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Vietnam, and many more.
“The third biennial Global Dubai Tea Forum represents a significant opportunity for industry participants worldwide to gather together and share insights and experiences,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC. “The forum has further established Dubai as the hub of the regional tea trade as it brings together the major players of the sector and highlights trends, opportunities and potential threats that the tea industry faces.”
“The weather patterns impacted global tea production in 2009,” said Sanjay Sethi, Director, DTTC. “As we enter a new era and a period of stabilisation, it is more important than ever to play a leading role in promoting dialogue within the industry.”
He added: “Building upon our past success in attracting high-profile government and private-sector representatives from both Dubai and across the globe, we look forward to welcoming delegates from a wide range of tea-producing and consuming nations.”
Dubai remains the second largest export destination for both Indian and Sri Lankan tea, playing a pivotal role in the supply chain for the industry. Sri Lanka, India and Kenya are Dubai’s top trading partners, contributing over 65 per cent of the total tea trade through Dubai.
The DTTC presently stocks teas from 13 producing countries, comprising Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Nepal, China and Iran. In keeping with its mandate to further increase the tea trade in and through Dubai, the DTTC also facilitates sales with buyers in the GCC countries, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Afghanistan, UK and the CIS countries and has plans to expand its services to other Middle East and European markets.
