Dubai, June 12, 2007: The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) hosted a delegation from the Philippines headed by Her Excellency Gwendolyn Garcia, the governor of the Philippine province of Cebu. The visiting delegation is touring Dubai to evaluate investment and business opportunities in the region and to study best practices in both the public and private sectors.

The delegation was introduced to the DED's activities in the different economic and commercial sectors. The members also reviewed the DED's contribution to the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015 announced recently.

Mr. Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General for Executive Affairs at the DED, who received the delegation, said that the Department is aligning its growth strategies in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He said that the DED focuses on enhancing the economic development of the emirate, increasing its competitiveness, developing its human resources and promoting investment opportunities to attract leading businesses. "The DED is keen to continue its strategic partnership with the private sector and enhance regional cooperation and market expansion," he added.

"The liberal economic policy adopted by the Government of Dubai plays a vital role in the growth of trade and attracting foreign investment to the emirate. The Philippines is one of the trade partners of the UAE and Dubai. The total volume of imports reached AED230 million and the volume of non-oil exports exceeded AED100 million. The traded items include fruits, edible preparations, apparel, cement, meat and fish, organic chemicals, and electrical machinery," said Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General for Planning and Development at the DED.

"The visit of the delegation will go a long way towards strengthening the long-standing relations between the two countries. The delegation was introduced to the services provided by the DED and its relations with other government bodies in boosting the emirate's economy," said Mr. Ali.

"The Dubai Government plays a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of the emirate by improving infrastructure, adopting pro-investment policies, legislation and incentives, and embarking on joint initiatives and projects with the private sector," added Al Kassim.

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About Department of Economic Development (DED):
The Department of Economic Development (DED) was established in March 1992, with the objective to organise, regulate and boost trade and industry within the Emirate of Dubai. The DED has moulded its mission of building a futuristic establishment, in accordance with the vision of the Government of Dubai and in the light of globalisation and the requirements of a digital economy. One of its key functions is to encourage local and foreign investments in commercial and industrial projects, and create the appropriate environment for investors.

The DED's other functions comprise a wide range of regulatory activities including the preparation and maintenance of a commercial register and the supervision of all organisations. The DED is responsible for regulating the affairs of commercial agents and brokers and commercial advertising offices, in addition to overseeing and controlling the insurance industry in the Emirate. Examining the participation of the government in the private sector and representing the government in companies where it has a stake, also comes under the purview of the DED.

For further information, please contact:
Nafisa Marzouki/Nizar Aridi
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East and North Africa
P O Box 28063,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: (971 4) 3344550
Fax: (971 4) 3344556
Email: n.marzouki@asdaa.com, n.aridi@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2007