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H.E. Al Qamzi Inaugurates the Fourth Edition of the Dubai Drink Technology Expo

Dubai - United Arab Emirates, November 29th 2011: H.E. Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development - Dubai Government inaugurated today the fourth edition of the Dubai Drink Technology Expo (DDTE) which is held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and will continue for three days. H.E. was accompanied by a number of officials and specialists from the beverage technology industry in the UAE and the region.

The DDTE conference and Exhibition is a specialized show held annually in Dubai and plays a vital role in the transfer of technology, expertise and innovations in the drink technology, packaging, labeling and food industry. It is an added benefit for technology owners, suppliers and manufacturers and to potential investors in the industry as well.

H.E. and the accompanies delegate had a tour in the Exhibition Area and he was delighted by the increased number of the exhibiting companies which reached more than 100 exhibitors from 35 countries displaying the latest production machinery and equipment, process and quality control instruments, storage, transport and, labeling handling services associated with the industry.

H.E. said: "The soft beverage industry in the region has grown significantly. Mainly we note that soft drinks markets in the Middle East and Africa grew at a compounded annual rate of 3.3 % between 2004 and 2009. And, recent trends indicate that the demand for bottled water and the Natural Juice category has increased as a result of rising health awareness."

H.E. continued: "the UAE, especially Dubai, are promoting investment in critical industry sectors, including food processing and manufacturing as part of their strategies to develop new capabilities locally. It has also been noted that the manufacturing sector accounted for 13.2 % of Dubai's GDP in 2010; and this sector also employs 8% of the Emirate's workforce."

Dubai is keen Dubai is keen to develop the manufacturing sector into a strong component that contributes to the local economy and drives foreign investment inflows, said Al Qamzi. "I believe the beverage industry will duly consider the advantages of establishing their businesses and setting up manufacturing units, in Dubai." H.E continued

From his side, Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, the Secretary General of the Arab Asian Beverage Alliance (AABA) said at the opening ceremony: "despite the economic slowdown of businesses, the Drink and Beverage industry continues to make strong headway in many parts of the world. In the Gulf area, the soft drink and bottled water industry is growing steadily, making a benefit from the increasing high temperature and harsh climate the region is passing through every year due to global warming. The absence of alcoholic drinks also plays a major role in the flourishing of the soft drinks industry in the region especially in KSA, Kuwait, and the UAE."

Dr. Al Banna also said: "Indications of the non-alcoholic beverages and liquid food industry in the Jebel Ali Free Zone shows that the number of the factories producing non-alcoholic beverages operating in the area is increasing, as there are 115 production facilities distributing their products in the country, the GCC and worldwide, and since the bottled water and soft drinks industry is becoming a major industry in the Gulf Region, as Saudi Arabia can justifiably be regarded as the most sophisticated Middle East market for non alcoholic beverages. Dubai is holding for the fourth time the Dubai Drink Technology Expo (DDTE) where beverage industry professionals and retailers from all over the world can gather under one roof."

DDTE this year is having the privilege to organize the first Global Water and Beverage Technology Congress (GWBT Dubai 2011) within the Dubai Drink Technology Expo. The congress is being held for the first time in the MENA region and Asia continent and Dubai has been selected amongst others to be the permanent headquarter for this congress. The GWBT is held in cooperation with the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT) and several other European and Asian Associations and Alliances.

The Global Water and Beverage Technology Congress includes workshops, association meetings, education sessions, and B2B business meetings to address challenges in the water and beverage technology businesses. A number of international experts and key specialists in the beverage, labeling and packaging fields will be present at the congress, among them are; Mr. Scott Steele, Vice President of PTI Plastic Technologies of USA, Ms. Mariam Sandouka, Euro Monitor from UAE, Dr. Mohan Krishna Managing Director, Imperial Distillers & Vintners Pvt. Ltd, Eng. Maurice van Vliet, CEO Privatelabeltrader.com, Mr. Kieran McKenna, Managing Director Aqueduct Investments International Ltd and Mr. Filippo Pastorini from Sacmi - Italy.

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of Arab Asian Beverage Alliance, and Chairman of INDEX Holding said that "The program of the GWBT congress is designed for industry leaders, suppliers, decision makers, buyers, institutions and market analysts to achieve a comprehensive overview of the latest water and beverage trends and developments across all continents. We will also include an education session in the international beverage industry, where participants can obtain a certificate of attendance after the session and earn credit hours through a continuing education program."

Topics discussed at the GWBT will also tackle the environmental aspect through encouraging the recycle trends, the green initiatives, protecting the environment in addition to some marketing techniques focusing on how to build a brand in the market.

Dr. Al Madani also said: "H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahian President of the UAE and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai are always keen to support all private and public sector's initiatives that contribute highly to the development of the economy of the UAE."

"The DDTE is a unique opportunity for businessmen and investors in this industry to meet their peers from beverage technology representatives and service suppliers from the USA, Europe and Asia. This year there are more than 100 exhibiting companies from 35 countries and we are expecting over 10,000 visitors and participants from 64 countries." Continued Dr. Al Madani

Dubai is acknowledged as a regional leader in promoting technology, innovations, best practices and international collaboration, as it draws its strengths from a visionary leadership, which has successfully leveraged our strategic location to facilitate exchange of ideas, trade and culture. Dubai offers the best connectivity for businesses to the emerging markets and expanding populations in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

The Dubai Drink Technology Expo is an ideal meeting platform for decision-makers and key players where they can find new business opportunities, obtain major market trends, study large variety of products for all kinds of processes in one place and develop new business relationships. For three days, the latest technological advancement in drinks and liquid food, along with the new and innovated products related to beverages and liquid food will be on display. Participants and business visitors will have the opportunity to meet, interact, and hold business-to-business meetings.

The DDTE is supported by the Ministry of Economy - United Arab Emirates, Federation of U.A.E. Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai's Department of Economic, Development (DED), Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC) and the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT).

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© Press Release 2011