A high delegation from the German city of Essen visited Expo Centre Sharjah two days ago (Monday) to discuss cooperation, partnership and preparation for the participations of “Essen for Cutting and Welding Metals” for the first time in a special pavilion at the “Steel Fab 2018” which will be hosted by the expo from 15th to 18th of January.

The delegation met with HE Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa,  Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The delegation included Thomas Kufen, Mayor of Essen, Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen which is responsible for organizing “Essen for Cutting and Welding Metals”, and many other company officials.

The visit was part of an agreement that was signed by Expo Centre Sharjah and the German Company “Messe Essen” last September. The aim is to strengthen the presence of German companies in the 14th “Steel Fab”, the region’s leading metalworking event, which comes within the framework of “Essen for Cutting and Welding Metals”, one of the largest events of its kind in Europe. The German delegation confirmed that a number of German companies that specialize in engineering technology, hand tools, safety equipment, cutting, welding and polishing of metals as well as other products will participate in the show.

HE Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir welcomed the mayor of Essen and his accompanying delegation, wishing this visit would contribute to enhancing economic, trade and cooperation relations between both countries.

BuKhatir stated that this visit reflects the good reputation enjoyed by Expo Centre Sharjah and its distinguished economic position at an international level in organizing and hosting many international exhibitions and conferences as well as its contribution to enhancing the role of tourism, business and hospitality. In addition the UAE is among the top three exhibition markets in the Middle East in terms of the number of exhibitions and conferences held annually as well as exhibitors, visitors and areas for rent in their centers.

HE Said Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, emphasized the status of the Expo and its role in supporting the cultural, economic and industrial role of Sharjah since the establishment of the Expo Centre 41 years ago, as well as highlighting Sharjah’s interest in education, culture and industry.

He also reviewed the most important exhibitions and events that have been organized and hosted by the Expo throughout the year, such as the annual Sharjah International Book Fair that attracted about 2.38 million visitors in 11 days alone this year, as well as the MidEast Watch and Jewellery that happens every 6 months and including many other international events. He pointed out that Centre hosted the Women’s Economic Empowerment Global Summit for the first time, which is organized by Nama in cooperation with UN Women.

Khalid Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stressed the keenness of the UAE and particularly Sharjah to preserve the Arab and national identity. He also pointed out the interest of the Emirate in business tourism and exhibitions because of its strategic location and the advantages it offers to foreign investors and businessmen. The Emirate also adopts the best international standards and practices to enhance tourism and hospitality services to compete with the world's best countries in this field.

The delegation praised the rapid economic development witnessed by the Emirate of Sharjah, noting that it was chosen as the World Book Capital 2019 by UNESCO. At the end of the meeting, HE Waleed BuKhatir, Saif Al Midfa and Khalid Al Midfa honored the delegation members.

HE Saif Al Midfa took the delegation on a tour of the Expo at the end of the meeting, to introduce its services, view its various facilities, leasing spaces, organizational logistical capabilities provided by the Center it's worth noting that the 14th Steel Fab 2018 will feature a range of premium sections such as “Stainless Steel” damage resistant technologies, steel forming, metal-cutting, and pipe forming machines, in conjunction with Fasteners World Middle East.