Sharjah Tatweer Forum, an initiative launched to boost the involvement and influence of Sharjah’s young talents for encouraging competitiveness in the public and private sectors, hosted a workshop yesterday (Tuesday, February 7, 2006), conducted by Dr. Ahmad Al Banna, Head of the Index Exhibitions and the Accommodation Committee in Dubai Government, under the theme ‘World Trade Organisation and Free Trade Agreement – Opportunities and Challenges from a local perspective’. The event, held at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum was attended by several dignitaries from Sharjah.
Speaking at the workshop, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, President of Tatweer, said, “It is important that we highlight the role that WTO will play on a local level and for our young generation to understand it. Free trade agreements will advance economic reforms and lead to opening up of markets in the region. The recent developments in this regard have created numerous business opportunities in the Middle East, while providing a level playing field for everyone involved. The changes have also given rise to newer challenges, which the region is fully equipped to successfully overcome.”
“Through regular workshops and events, the Tatweer Forum has been committed to increase the involvement of youngsters and entrepreneurs in Sharjah and familiarise them with trends and developments in international trade. The success of Tatweer’s initiatives in the recent past has been mainly due to the dedicated efforts of the entire team here and the support received from various government departments and private sector companies in the UAE,” added Al Mahmoudi.
During his presentation, Dr. Al Banna focussed on the role and responsibilities of UAE with regard to signing major agreements such as, The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), WTO’s intellectual property (TRIPS) agreement and the agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs).
Highlighting the objectives of the Tatweer’s first phase, Al Mahmoudi said, “In the first phase, we will identify potential projects that will be directed, managed and supported by the group. Alongside, we will run a professional programme to develop the competencies of members as well as compile a database of skilled and talented young individuals. Other objectives of the first phase include establishing the visibility and legitimacy of the group among the public and decision makers; building the group’s capability to take on large and complex projects and identifying key events that will support the group’s image and objectives.”
Members of Tatweer enjoy a host of benefits, including close association with a body that is set to become a catalyst in the economic growth of Sharjah. It provides access to collective solutions to common challenges, enabling execution of projects that need long-term sustainability and whose scale is too large for individuals to manage. Tatweer members get an opportunity to get involved in frameworks that have been tested and implemented. Members also enjoy the privilege of becoming part of a strategic and close-knit business network with excellent linkage to the Sharjah business, government and community channels.
Tatweer offers organisations who wish to sponsor its events and programs the privilege of promoting them and highlighting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. Sponsors will also be able to participate in the seminars, sessions and workshops organised by the forum. They will also be listed in the Tatweer’s database, website and leaflets.
