Participants at the event

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the world’s leading Free Zone for commodities trade and enterprise, in partnership with Asia House hosted ‘The New Global Trade Order’ conference at Almas Tower, in Dubai, UAE.

More than 300 policymakers and leading figures from the global trade and investment industries gathered to discuss ways to better understand the emerging world trade system given the current challenges to free trade, said a statement.

The conference also addressed Asia’s important role in contributing to the Middle East’s economic growth, it said. The keynote speech was delivered by Abdulla Al Saleh, undersecretary for foreign trade, Ministry of Economy. He said: “Today, some of the world’s leading thinkers on global trade and investment are taking part in this conference, and the aim is to provide insights and analysis to help business leaders and policymakers better understand – and capitalise on – the new global trade order.”

“I believe that Dubai has a growing role here, and it is fitting that this discussion is taking place at DMCC, and we are delighted that Asia House has decided to host its first Middle East conference here in Dubai,” he said.

Welcoming participants to the event, Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, chairman, Asia House, said: “There can be nothing more important to all of us in the 21st century than the rise of Asia, which is changing the balance of world power. The Middle East is an increasingly important element in that rise.”

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, DMCC, said: “Across all the industries we operate in, what we are finding is that Asia, consistently proves to be an open and willing partner to do business.”

“The businesses in the region are also very receptive to our approach to remove all possible barriers to trade, and enable global trade flows to pass through this city,” he said.