The Dubai Computer Group (DCG) sailed into yet another Annual General Meeting last month aboard the ‘Monalisa’ cruise. Held on 21st March, the event brought together DCG members to discuss major achievements of the group last year, the challenges that lie ahead and to exchange ideas for the growth of the local channel.
Expressing his delight at the enthusiastic participation by its members, DCG President, Dharmendra Sawlani said, “Events like these are opportunities for us to share past and future endeavours with our members. We meet regularly on a monthly basis to discuss the issues in hand, future plans, and also for information and awareness sessions.”
“DCG is no longer simply a group of IT traders but has grown astronomically over the years to include a number of software companies, solution providers, vendors, distributors and retailers. And, for the very first I would like to announce recent addition of Toshiba, D-Link and Jacky’s to DCG member list,” added Sawlani.
Sawlani added that it is important that the government work to improve the business practices for the entire IT channel in Dubai. “One of the main challenges that our industry is facing today is the increase in the cost of doing business. The main reasons why trade has always flourished in Dubai have been ease of doing business and its smooth operations with minimum expenses,” he noted. “These have now become difficult and we have been lobbying with government and quasi-government agencies to highlight such challenges.”
According to the DCG President, the Dubai Government is very proactive and conducts exhaustive research to see how they can help us address our concerns. “That the government is taking due action, is evident from announcements like ‘no increase in government fess for next three years’.”
This annual meeting also served as the platform for unveiling another government initiative, engageDXB. This mobile application is the first virtual platform by Dubai Economy Department that allows business communities in Dubai to collaborate and engage with each other. Representing Dubai Economy at the event, the Principal Business Analyst Darshan Shetty, gave a preview of the app and stressed that this app would not only provide business networking opportunity among one group but will bring members of different business councils and groups on one platform who can then closely collaborate with Dubai Economy.
Sawalni further emphasized that the strength of DCG will enable their voice to reach the concerned authorities easily and urged members to participate in DCG’s membership drive to increase their member count.
Glancing over the endeavours of the past year, Sawlani added that the group was able to successfully help a number of members in recovery after the 2016 runaway cases.
A number of future events and activities were also discussed at the annual general meeting. Key among them was the proposal for an overseas business networking event wherein a delegation from Dubai will visit an overseas market this year. Sawlani further urged members to share their feedback on this proposal to ensure that all members can have a say in the decision to eventually organize a fruitful business trip.
This year’s event was exclusively sponsored by Toshiba.
