3rd Global Dubai Tea Forum opens today

• Biennial event held under patronage of HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori
• More than 360 delegates attended first day of forum from over 35 countries

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, the 3^rd Global Dubai Tea Forum opened today at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi with over 360 delegates attending from over 35 countries.

His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori inaugurated the forum and delivered a keynote address at the only event in the region specific to the global tea industry.

“The Global Dubai Tea Forum has a key role to play in strengthening market confidence,” Al Mansoori said. “It brings experts together to engage in healthy discussion and arrive at informed decisions. Only through such collaborative initiatives can we sustain and improve market and investor confidence.”

His Excellency also explained that Dubai Tea Trading Centre (DTTC) and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCCA) play a major role in supporting the diversification policy of the UAE economy.

“As one of the most robust investment destinations in the region, the UAE’s free zones, superior infrastructure, access to qualified manpower, our commitment to international intellectual property rights and antipiracy laws, and our geographical proximity to some of the world’s largest populations make the nation a promising market,” Al Mansoori said. “I am confident this event will serve as a forum for sharing valuable information as to how tea trade can be further developed, and I am confident that it will open doors to more bilateral investments between the UAE and tea producing countries around the world.”

The first day of the forum featured presentations from industry specialists from across the globe including Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCCA; 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 and many more prominent industry speakers and panellists.

“Over the past decade and even further back, we have embraced the spirit of open trade and built an entirely new network of knowledge and innovation,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem. “The Global Dubai Tea Forum is in line with DMCCA’s commitment to providing the market infrastructure and services necessary to enhance the value of the commodities trade in and through Dubai.”

The Global Dubai Tea Forum was launched in 2006, and has become an important event in the tea industry’s calendar. Aimed at addressing new developments and key issues in the tea industry, it focuses on sharing industry-specific knowledge and international best practices. In addition, the conference and exhibition offers an excellent networking opportunity for all sectors of the trade with representatives from tea boards and associations, producers, regional and international buyers, machine manufacturers and raw material suppliers.

“Like most other industries, 2009 was a challenging year for the tea industry as it had to face unique issues such as drought, crop shortages and volatility in tea prices,” said Sanjay Sethi. “Despite these tough conditions, Dubai remains the second largest export destination for both Indian and Sri Lankan tea and plays a pivotal role in the supply chain for the industry. There is no doubt that the DTTC has contributed significantly in developing tea trade in Dubai. The Centre has grown consistently, with increased transactions and many global tea producers, merchant exporters and buyers establishing their base here.”

The forum will conclude on March 10, 2010 with presentations and panel discussions on tea industry brands, worldwide tea bag consumption trends, innovations and market developments, and much more.