The Dubai Tea Trading Centre (DTTC) is set to host the third Global Dubai Tea Forum in the emirate from March 9 to10, 2010, in line with its commitment to adding value to tea industry and enhancing trade.

Launched in 2006, the biennial two-day forum has become an important event in the tea industry’s calendar, said a statement from DTTC, an initiative of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

The gathering, to take place at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai, has consistently attracted leading representatives from the tea industry, and is expected to see the participation of public and private-sector industry participants from across the regional and international tea industry.

Aimed at addressing new developments and key issues in the tea industry, the forum will focus on sharing industry-specific knowledge and international best practices.

In addition, the conference and exhibition offers an excellent networking opportunity for all sectors of the trade with representatives from tea boards and associations, producers, regional and international buyers, machine manufacturers and raw material suppliers.

“During this period of unprecedented volatility in the global commodities space, the international tea trade continues to collectively address current challenges and work towards finding common long-term solutions to sustain and expand the trade,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, executive chairman, DMCC.

“In that regard, the third biennial Global Dubai Tea Forum represents a significant opportunity for industry participants worldwide to gather together and share insights and experiences. Both DTTC and DMCC are extremely pleased to once again host this important event in Dubai, an increasingly vital link in the worldwide tea trade,” he noted.

Sanjay Sethi, director, DTTC, said: 'Building upon our past success in attracting high-profile government and private-sector representatives from here in Dubai and across the globe, we look forward to welcoming delegates from a wide range of tea-producing and consuming nations.'

'This is an important event for the industry, occurring at a critical time, and we are delighted to play a leading role in this ongoing dialogue,' Sethi added.

Despite the shortage of 65 million kilos in global tea production over last year, volumes of tea transacted through the DTTC have grown by 45 per cent this year, he pointed out.

In the spring of this year, DTTC unveiled its new centralised tea storage, blending and value-addition services centre at the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, a signal part of its expansion plans to accommodate the growing activities of the centre.
 
DTTC presently stocks teas from 13 producing countries, including Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Nepal, China and Iran.-TradeArabia News Service