November 19, 2021
Indigenous showcase starts Dubai Expo
A Māori business leader at the World Expo in Dubai says Māori are seen as blazing the trail for other indigenous peoples in world trade.
A showcase including indigenous groups from nine nations was held this week as part of the expo.
Dale Stephens, the director of Māori partnerships for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, says Te Aratini involved about 45 Māori representatives not just from the traditional primary industries but from media, digital technology and health products.
They are looking for new opportunities in an area where there are cultural similarities that can open doors.
The take for the showcase was laid down in a visit with Bedouin tribespeople in the desert in Dubai three years ago, and the delayed start to the Expo means more indigenous groups were able to come on board.
“This is the first-ever expo that has a specific indigenous showcase and this will be created and moved on for every expo going forward. And probably for a global event in between the expo as well,” he says.
Dale Stephens says New Zealand and Māori businesses have a great story to tell about caring for people and caring for a place that has value in the market.