On the third of October, Umm Al Quwain University launched the 9th International Public Procurement Conference (IPPC), held for the first time in the Arab region and the Middle East, in collaboration of Umm Al Quwain University and the Central University of Economics and Finance in Beijing. The two-day conference features more than one hundred researchers representing forty universities and research centers from the UAE, the United States, China, England, Belgium, Russia, Singapore, India, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, and Finland. Participants presented dozens of research studies and scientific papers addressing contemporary issues in public procurement from legal, financial, economic, social, and environmental perspectives.

 

In his opening speech, Dr. Chris Rauch, the Chancellor of Umm Al Quwain University, welcomed the attendees and commended the significant support the university and its activities receive from His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud Al Mualla, Crown Prince and Chairman of the University Board of Trustees. Dr. Rauch stated that the conference is one of the most important scientific events for the exchange of ideas and fruitful discussions among experts, thinkers, and researchers in various fields on the critical topic of public procurement, with a focus on issues such as sustainability and the growing importance of artificial intelligence and its application in the economic context.

 

Dr. Rauch expressed the role of academia in providing valuable contributions to solving pressing issues related to public procurement, highlighting that many institutions rely on academic insights to address challenges and develop effective solutions in this field. He concluded his speech by wishing the conference guests a rich and enjoyable experience in the UAE.

 

For his part, Dr. Karem Aboelazm, the conference organizer, emphasized that this event is the first of its kind in the Middle East and Arab region, and it was marked by the participation of a large number of academics and practitioners. He noted that the previous edition was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this edition particularly special. He also expressed his gratitude to Professor Kai Thai and Professor Cao Foku for their attendance and efforts in making the conference a success.

 

The opening session also featured a speech by Professor Kai Thai from Florida Atlantic University, who highlighted the importance of public procurement.