Dubai and Qatar bid to host 8th World Chambers Congress

“The World Chambers Federation (WCF) is extremely pleased to have bids from two top-rate candidates for its first congress in a region of growing economic and cultural importance,” said Rona Yircali, Chair of the WCF. “Whoever wins the bid, we are certain to have a well-organized, efficient and exciting congress.”

Held every two years in different regions of the world, the World Chambers Congress is the only international forum for chamber of commerce leaders to share best-practice experience, develop networks and learn about new areas of innovation from other chambers, as they face the challenge of remaining relevant to companies in their region. The 7th Congress will be held in Mexico City 8-10 June 2011.

Both Dubai and Qatar have experienced phenomenal economic growth in recent years, becoming trade and business hubs for the region as well as major tourist destinations. In its bid the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry will put forward its effort to balance economic growth with legislation supporting sustainable development to preserve natural resources and the environment. For its part, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will emphasize its role as regional leader not only in trade but also in the fields of culture and the arts.

“Our bid to host the World Chambers Congress reflects our ongoing commitment towards promoting Dubai as an international business hub and creating a favorable business environment for all,” said Hamad Buamim, the Director General of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He added that Dubai had become the world’s gateway to numerous emerging markets “thanks to its world-class infrastructure, sate-of-the-art business facilities, and the strategic vision of its leaders.”

Qatar’s bid pointed to the construction of a national convention centre that will become the largest convention and exhibition centre in the Middle East when it is completed in mid 2011. “As the gateway to the Indian, Far East, Southeast Asian and Far East economic powerhouses, as well as the consumer markets of the west, Qatar is uniquely suited to host the World Chambers Congress,” remarked Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim AL-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Both organizations had registered their interest several years ago to host the event, with their letters of intent to bid to for Congress received before the 31 March deadline. Each will present why their destination is the best location for WCF to hold the Congress on 15 September at the WCF General Council meeting in Paris. The Congress Selection Committee will then submit their bid books to the jury members before 15 October, with the result of the 2013 host to be announced by WCF’s Chair in November.