In a groundbreaking initiative, the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Sri Lankan IT Professionals Association (SLITPA), organized a webinar titled “Discover IT&BPM Opportunities in the UAE.” The event aimed to provide Sri Lankan IT companies with insights into the vast potential and prospects available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market.
Event Overview:
Date: 29th November 2023
Organizers: SLASSCOM, Consulate General of Sri Lanka (Dubai and the Northern Emirates), SLITPA
Speakers:
- Mr. Alexi Gunasekera (Consul General for Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates)
- Mr. Damian Halpe (Sri Lankan IT Professionals Association)
- Mr. Álvaro Casero (VirtuZone, a premium business setup company in the UAE)
- Mrs. Vajira Kularathna (Sri Lanka Export Development Board)
- Mr. Kalinda Wickramage (OREL IT) and Mr. Rikaz Moin (DMS Software Technologies) representing companies that attended GITEX 2023
Key Highlights:
Key Highlights:
1. Insightful Addresses by Distinguished Speakers:
- Mr. Alexi Gunasekera, the Consul General for Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, delivered the introductory address during the webinar. He emphasized the Sri Lankan government’s dedication to advancing the IT industry on a global scale and outlined the pivotal role played by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai in fulfilling this commitment.
- Mr. Damian Halpe from the Sri Lankan IT Professionals Association delivered an overview of the business environment in the UAE. He underscored the expanding prospects available for Sri Lankan IT companies and explained how SLITPA can play a pivotal role in supporting these companies in their exploration of potential opportunities in the UAE.
2. Expert Guidance from Industry Leaders:
- Mr. Álvaro Casero, representing VirtuZone, a premium business setup company in the UAE, offered practical advice on establishing a strong presence in the UAE, addressing legal considerations and business setup procedures.
3. Strategic Collaboration Opportunities:
- Mrs. Vajira Kularathna from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board shed light on the various support mechanisms available for Sri Lankan companies seeking to explore and expand their presence in the UAE.
4. Firsthand Experiences Shared by GITEX 2023 Attendees:
- Mr. Kalinda Wickramage (OREL IT) and Mr. Rikaz Moin (DMS Software Technologies) representing Sri Lankan companies that attended GITEX 2023 shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in navigating the competitive landscape of the UAE’s technology sector.
5. Active Q&A Session:
- One of the highlights of the webinar was the highly interactive Q&A session. Attendees actively engaged with the speakers, posing insightful questions and seeking clarifications on various aspects of establishing a presence in the UAE. The dynamic exchange of ideas and information enriched the session, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in entering the UAE market.
Conclusion:
The “Discover IT&BPM Opportunities in the UAE” webinar organized by SLASSCOM, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka (Dubai), and SLITPA proved to be a resounding success. Attendees gained valuable insights from distinguished speakers and industry leaders, paving the way for strategic collaborations and business expansion. This event has undoubtedly strengthened the ties between the Sri Lankan and UAE IT sectors, opening up new avenues for growth and innovation.