14 January 2004

Abdul Rahman Ghanim Al Mutaiwee, the Director General of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry received H.E Mr. Mohamed Nejib Hachana, the Tunisian Ambassador in the UAE, who was accompanied by Mr. Mohamed Ali Hasni, the Director of the Tunisian Trade Office in Dubai, with the aim to discuss ways to develop the current business and commercial relations between the two countries, and to build new bridges of cooperation.
 
H.E Mr. Mohamed Nejib Hachana, conveyed a message from the President of Tunisia for the people of Dubai, that he views the emirate with great admiration and respect, and that he wishes to consolidate and develop cooperation between the two countries.  "Our two countries enjoy a great political relationship, but our economic relationship requires development and continuous communication", commented the Tunisian Ambassador.
 
The Director General of DCCI agreed with his guest that the economic relations between the two countries have not been very strong, and that efforts must be made to rectify that.  "Tunisia represents the North Africa, and Dubai represents the East of the Arab Region, and they have both directed their heading towards western and eastern states more than the Arab world" said Mr. Al Mutaiwee.
 
Regarding investment, Mr. Al Mutaiwee explained that the Arab states lack successful investment experiments they can benefit from.  "You (the Tunisian government) are the best authority on you capabilities, so it would be best if you establish model projects and studies which you would be able to use when Tunisian businessmen meet with their counterparts from other countries, where you can inform them of the projects and investment opportunities available", explained the Director General of DCCI.
 
The Tunisian Ambassador agreed with Mr. Al Mutaiwee's comments, and mentioned that they have been successful in building investment relations with other Gulf States, such as Kuwait and Saudi, highlighting several examples where Kuwaiti and Saudi businessmen have invested in Tunisian projects.  Mr.  Mohamed Nejib Hachana said that the Tunisian government would like to see a similar level of investment cooperation with the UAE in general and Dubai in particular.
 
Mr. Al Mutaiwee explained that the government in Dubai has provided local and foreign businessmen alike a suitable environment for investment, which stops local investors from going abroad.  He pointed out that there are local businessmen in Dubai who take calculated risks and are open for investment, such as those who have invested in unstable environments such as Sri lanker, Lebanon, Algeria and Iraq, but most prefer investing within the UAE due to the right foundations being available and the facilities provided here.
 
Regarding trade and commerce, Mr. Al Mutaiwee highlighted the fact that the Tunisian products have a good reputation, but pointed out that competition is fierce.  He called onto the Tunisian traders and businessmen to promote their products in the Gulf region in particular, and the Arab world in general, by participating in all the big events and exhibitions taking place in Dubai throughout the year.  One example he gave was the Arabian Travel Market taking place in May 2004.  The Director General explained that taking part in all these exhibitions and annual events would help develop the size of bilateral trade, tourism, as well as the service sector.   
 
Mr. Al Mutaiwee praised the efforts of Mr. Mohamed Ali Hasni, the Director of the Tunisian Trade office, and pointed out that he has been very instrumental in consolidating relations between the two countries.
 
-Ends-
 
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© Press Release 2005