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Dubai to launch a flower centre

DUBAI - The Dubai Department of Civil Aviation has announced the launch of a new industry association, designed to support the continued development of the floriculture industry in Dubai and throughout the UAE.

The flower and Plant Industry Association (FPIA) has been lunched to take advantage of major new development projects in the industry, in particular the upcoming launch of the Dubai Flower Centre in late 2004.

The FPIA will represent growers, exporters, wholesalers and retailers of flowers, foliage, and ornamental plants throughout the UAE.

The association will work with the industry, government and other industry associations to support a number of key aims including:

Working with government, international bodies and local industry to promote the growth of the industry at all levels (cultivation, import, export, wholesale marketing and retail).

Establishing and promoting fair trade credit practices and commercial standards of quality and services; and

Educating consumers on usage, care and maintenance of flower and plants.

The Executive Committee of the FIPA has formed and formally registered the Association, and convened it's first meeting on January 12. The Executive Committee members include: M.D. Gidwani -Al Lokrit (President), Maryam Al Noori - Intraflora (Vice President), Juzar Shabbir Chiba of Brook Plants and Landscaping, Nader Bisada of Siji Greenhouse, Abu Abufan of the National Horticultural Company, R. Senthi of Black Tulip Flowers and Angela Orchiston of Spinney's.

Speaking on the lunch of the association, Ali Khalfan Al Jallaf, Director of the Dubai Cargo Village and Dubai Flower Centre, and sponsor of the FPIA commented :"The launch of the industry association will provide a tremendous boost to the development of the floriculture industry in the country and will go a long way in catalysing the floral in the region. With the upcoming launch of the Dubai Flower Center, huge growth opportunities exist at all levels for the UAE industry. Working together, we can ensure that the industry works effectively to take advantage of these opportunities, whilst evolving into a highly professional, highly respected and highly successful industry and contributing to our country's growth"

The first major activity of FPIA will be a membership drive, which will kick off very soon to all flower and plants companies. A web page has been set up to inform and recruit potential members-a link to this site can be found at the Dubai Flower Centre web site (www.dubaiflowercentre.com). In addition, membership enquires are being taken via email on: fpia@dubaiflowercentre.com.

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