MoU with Dubai Export Development Corporation to Expand Regional Footprint

Dubai:  August, 2008 – Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), a member of TECOM Investments, today announced it has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Export Development Corporation (DEDC) to facilitate human capital services organisation, to aggressively expand their footprint across the region.

The MoU was signed by Dr Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village, and Engineer Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, DEDC.

Under the terms of agreement, a joint management committee comprising representatives from Dubai Knowledge Village and the DEDC will be set up to oversee the partnership. The team will facilitate companies based in the knowledge cluster to penetrate potential markets including the GCC, Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.

With an aim to promote Dubai in the international arena, DEDC will work towards creating an enabling environment through hosting special events in partnership with companies based in Dubai Knowledge Village. Workshops will be held to highlight potential export areas in the region, while focusing on the benefits of establishing export clinics for developing an organization’s competency in the sector and help raise profitability.

Dr Kazim said: “As the world's only free zone totally dedicated to human resource management, Dubai Knowledge Village regularly spearheads activities that aim to equip professionals and executives with skills relevant to their respective industries.  We look forward to our first collaboration with the Dubai Export Development Corporation, which we believe will provide a suitable platform for companies to fully develop their export potential.”

Ibrahim Jamel, Director, Dubai Knowledge Village, said: “We are pleased to be part of this initiative to create opportunities in international markets for Dubai’s knowledge-based sectors. The expansion of these companies will be in line with the objectives set out in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.”

Under the MoU, DEDC will facilitate export financing schemes, and boost HR development through training on export marketing, social and environmental concerns, and sharing best practices in the industry.

Engineer Saed Al Awadi said: “DEDC not only focuses on promoting non-oil exports from the emirate but is also concentrating on spreading awareness on the various services Dubai can make available to overseas markets. Our partnership with Dubai Knowledge Village will help us collaborate on research and development, particularly in areas that will enhance the scope of human capital services organizations based in Dubai.”

Commencing operations in 2007, Dubai Export Development Corporation is an autonomous organization established by Dubai Government to provide exporters with data and services necessary to enter foreign markets. DEDC strives to achieve top-notch status in facilitating exporters by creating an appropriate environment for exports, and enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness as a preferred trading partner.

Established in 2003 to create an HRD hub for the region, Dubai Knowledge Village is home to over 400 professional training centres specialized in HR development, professional testing, as well as management training and consultancy services.