Zak, STB ink MoU on trade fairs/expo

Chennai, Oct 13 (UNI) City-based Zak Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Private Limited today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for organising annual trade fairs and exhibitions in the island nation.

Zak Managing Director Syed Zakir Ahmed and Ms Catherine McNabb, Director, Strategic Cluster, Business Travel and MICE Group, STB signed the MoU after the latter inaugurated "Zak Jewels 2006," 'India's exclusive jewellery sale' here.

The "Zak Jewels 2006" showcases some of the most exquisite creations in platinum, diamonds, gold, silver, gems and pearls. More than 36 jewellers from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kolkota, Bangalore and Hyderabad have come under one roof to showcase their products. The exhibition would be held till October 15.

Speaking after signing the MoU, Mr Ahmed said Zak proposed to organise atleast four major annual trade fairs/exhibitions in Singalore, continuously for three years. One of these events would be a five-day trade fair to promote India's consumer and industrial products.

Combined with cultural programmes, Zak would organise "Salaam India," an event to salute the spirit of India from August 15 to 19 at the Singapore Expo.

Zak also proposed to organise Zak Glasstech, Zak Fenestration Expo and Zak Bearing Expo, all aimed at promoting respective trade in South East Asia in Singapore under the agreement.

Ms McNabb said the STB and Zak had been exploring the possibility of Zak expanding into Singapore to organise trade fairs and exhibitions under the STB's new "Be in Singapore" incentive scheme launched in India last month.

She said STB has recognised India and China had the largest growth market in business and travel segments. About nine million tourists visited Singapore during this year, including 6.5 lakh from India. "We have set a target to attract 17 million tourists by 2015 and tripple the revenue from business and travel segments in the next ten years," Ms McNabb said.

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