A cooperation agreement between Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) and the Egyptian General Organization for International Exhibitions and Fairs has been “practically frozen,” senior Egyptian officials said.
The agreement was reached during a Dubai delegation's visit to Cairo last year, said the Gulf News.
"We signed the agreement and sent it to Dubai. It basically focuses on exchange of information, free-of-charge facilities and expertise, holding of exhibitions and selling exhibition space," said Mohammed Saeed Saleh, the Egyptian body's chairman.
Saleh added that the agreement was prepared six months ago, and was sent to the Egyptian embassy in the UAE three to four months ago after being signed.
“It has not been signed by the UAE so far. We are willing to send it immediately and directly to DWTC," he told the paper.
Egyptian embassy officials said the agreement is part of an MoU to support and develop cooperation in trade, customs, exhibitions management and information technology.
"A meeting between the two countries was supposed to be held at the beginning of this year, but was postponed because both parties were busy. A new date will be arranged,” the Egyptian official said.
"Officials of each sector were supposed to hold separate meetings and sign separate agreements," he told the paper.
He added that DWTC and the Egyptians had some reservations on the agreement.
DWTC wanted the Egyptian body to invest in Dubai and in return to export its expertise to Egypt.
"Deciding on investments in Dubai is not within our jurisdiction. DWTC can do that in Egypt. We have huge capabilities and have our own expertise," Saleh said – Albawaba.com
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