PHOTO
• Dubai Chamber organised forum is attended by HRH Princess Astrid and over 100Belgian and local government and business delegates
• Al Shirawi: Dubai is an ideal partner for Belgium as a re-export hub with strong links across the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia
• Belgian Federal Secretary of State for Foreign Trade:Our constructive cooperation will continue to grow in the coming years while serving Dubai's strategy of becoming one of the most innovative cities in the world
Dubai - The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the Embassy of Belgium in the UAE organised the UAE-Belgium Business Forum on the side-lines of the Belgian economic delegation's visit to the UAE at The H Hotel today. Over 100 delegates attended the forum in the presence of HRH Princess Astrid, Representative of H.H. The King of the Belgians.
Seeking to enhance the UAE-Belgium bilateral and economic relationship while promoting opportunities for further cooperation between the two countries, the forumwas also attended by H.E.Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice-Chairman, Dubai Chamber, H.E. Pieter De Crem, Belgian Federal Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, ambassadors, government officials and representatives of a cross-section of private sector companies in Dubai.
The Belgian ministers attending the forum included H.E. DidierReynders, Federal Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, H.E. Philippe Muyters, Flemish Minister for Work, Economics, Innovation and Sports, and H.E. Cecile Jodogne, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade & Investment for the Brussels-Capital Region and Minister of the French Community Commission in charge of Civil Service and Health Policy.
Also during the forum, Dubai Chamber signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with theFederation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce, Arab-Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and Brussels Enterprises Commerce & Industry as well as another MoU with the Voka-AntwerpenWaasland Chamber of Commerce emphasising on promoting economic and commercial cooperation as well as exchange of trade information between Dubai and Belgium.
In his welcome address H.E.Al Shirawi, stated thatthis latest visit by the Belgian delegation strengthens Dubai's and Belgium's existing ties, built up over the years, and follows Dubai Chamber's successful trade mission to Brussels in 2012 focusing on trade, ICT and renewable energy sectors. "Through this forum, Dubai Chamber hopes to encourage stronger business cooperation and two-way investment across key economic sectors, including trade and tourism," he said.
"Belgium is a modern, private enterprise economy with a highly developed transport network and diversified industrial and commercial base.For the trade sector its central geographic location serves as a gateway to Europe, supported by a highly skilled, multilingual and productive work force," said H.E.Al Shirawi.
With Belgium carrying out 80% of its trade with fellow EU members,H.E.Al Shirawicalled upon Belgian businesses to diversify and expand trade opportunities with non-EU countries. "In this respect, Dubai is an ideal partner for Belgium as a re-export hub with strong links across the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia. The emirate presents a stable and improving business location, with the option to access numerous high-growth markets across the region," he said.
In addition to trade, Dubai is a favourable place to do business. With a diversified economy open to foreign investment there are opportunities for Belgian businesses across various high return economic sectors, he said adding that the emirate's business climate is advantageous as constant steps are made to enhance its position, leading to the UAE rising 3 places in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings this year, added H.E. Al Shirawi.
Expressing his delight over the signing of the two MoUs with the Belgians, H.E. Al Shirawisaid that these agreements will help enhance bilateral trade and economic relations and explore joint ventures and collaboration, paving the way for new economic growth between the two sides.
He further stressed that Dubai's total non-oil trade with Belgium in the first nine months of 2014 valued just over AED 25 billion, positioning Belgium as Dubai's 11th largest trade partner while the total non-oil trade between Dubai and Belgium touched AED 30 billion mark in 2013 with an increase of 17% on 2012's value of AED 25.5 billion. Presently, there are 118 Belgian companies among Dubai Chamber's members operating in the emirate, said H.E. Al Shirawi.
On his part, H.E. Pieter De Crem, Federal Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Belgium, stated that the UAE is a small country but leaves a strong mark on the world events just like Belgium as the two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations.
"Within the European Union, Belgium is the fifth major exporter of goods to the UAE and the largest importer of goods from the UAE as the country is our 19th largest customer and 21st largest supplier, ranking after Canada and preceding Brazil," he said.
"The UAE is a major hub for international trade and Dubai is known the world over for its success story of innovation, entrepreneurship and development symbolised by its impressive structures and capabilities. The emirate offers many investment possibilities to Belgian companies as does Belgian companies to Dubai. Our constructive cooperation will continue to grow in the coming years while serving Dubai's strategy of becoming one of the most innovative cities in the world," added H.E. De Crem.
In his presentation on Business Opportunities in Belgium, Johan Beerlandt, Chairman, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Besix, informed that Belgium is one of the world's favourite FDI destinations ranking 5th in Ernst and Young Barometer of European Attractiveness for attracting investment projects in Europe and is the 13th largest most importing exporting country in the world as well as 7th largest trading partner for the Arab countries.
He also said that Belgium has a vibrant pro-business environment, rooted in technology and innovation and is the fastest place in Europe to set up a business within four working days. The country offers 100% ownership, affordable real estate and top quality life standards.
Investing in Belgium is an ideal move into the European market as the country occupies key position at the very heart of Europe with access to 500 million consumers and 80% of the region's purchasing power. It also offers world-class infrastructure with state-of-the-art transport facilities and cutting-edge technologies, top-class human capital including highly-skilled workforce.
On its part, Dubai Chamber also provided an overview of Dubai and Dubai Chamber as well as the economic outlook for 2015 to the visiting business delegates.
-Ends-
About Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Established in 1965, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is celebrating its milestone anniversary of 50 years empowering vision in Dubai's business community. A non-profit public entity, Dubai Chamber supports Dubai's vision as a global player by empowering businesses, providing innovative value added services and access to influential networks. Its mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.
For more information visit:www.dubaichamber.com
Follow us on:
www.facebook.com/dubaichamber
www.twitter.com/dubaichamber
http://www.linkedin.com/company/dubai-chamber-of-commerce-&-industry/
www.youtube.com/DubaiChamberTV
www.instagram.com/dubaichamber
www.flickr.com/dubaichamber
For more information, please contact:
Ruba Abdel Halim
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
PR &Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +971 4 2028450
Email: ruba.halim@hotmail.com
© Press Release 2015
