|
Major players join forces to support Commercial Vehicles Middle East Business Group
Region's first group of its kind provides over 100 industry professionals with networking and learning opportunities
Dubai, UAE, 22 June 2011: Major manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, service providers and end users from the road transport sector have joined forces to support the launch of the new Commercial Vehicles Middle East Business Group, the region's first industry specific business organisation.
Located in Dubai but aimed at having a broad regional influence, the group will work towards reinforcing new optimism that an industry hit hard by the financial crisis in 2008 is now well on the road to recovery.
The group was launched on Monday night when more than 100 representatives of leading industry players convened at the Emirates Aviation Academy to network and discuss key issues facing the commercial vehicles industry in the Middle East.
They included representatives of Michelin, Al Tayer Motors, Al Futtaim Motors, DULSCO, Emirates Group, ETA Ascon and many more who listened to keynote presentations and open panel discussions. The meeting then wrapped up with a networking reception.
Supported by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the Commercial Vehicles Middle East Business Group has been launched by Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the industry’s annual specialist trade exhibition and conference, Commercial Vehicles Middle East, which next takes place in Dubai from 11-13 March 2012.
"One of the main objectives of the CILT is to build bridges between regulatory authorities and the private sector, as well as improve networking and knowledge capabilities of all professionals within this industry" said Alex Borg, Middle East regional director for CILT.
"The Commercial Vehicles Middle East Business Group is integral in helping us achieve these objectives and we are already seeing common themes that are top of mind for most operators in the UAE specifically".
One of the resounding themes of the inaugural meeting was the need for the UAE government to establish standardised regulations at a federal level, ensuring consistency and transparency for all freight transport and logistics operators.
The CVME Business Group will be a professional forum serving the industry with year- round updates and statistics, regular workshops and seminars, knowledge sharing, thought leadership and networking events.
"This is the first industry specific business group of its kind to be established in the Middle East, creating the ideal platform for the region's professionals to meet, network, share ideas, discuss business trends and industry issues on a regular basis", said Nick Webb, Director of Streamline Marketing Group.
Last night's panel of industry experts was moderated by Borg, and led by Brent Melvin of Al Futtaim Logistics, and Jason Farhat of RAK Transport Authority, who addressed a number of key topics. These included the way forward for commercial transport after the financial crisis, how local authorities can help the industry and how the private sector can better communicate its strategic issues to manufacturers and regulators in the short and longer term.
"Each Commercial Vehicles Middle East Business Group meeting will focus on a different area of the industry that is important to our members", added Webb.
|