ID :
106024
Thu, 02/11/2010 - 14:32
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/106024
The shortlink copeid
UAE Ministry of Economy follows up on target to increase bilateral UK trade by 60%
Dubai, Feb 11, 2010 (WAM)- In an effort to strengthen commercial ties and build on bilateral trade, the first UAE-UK financial services working group meeting has been held in Abu Dhabi. The discussion follows up on the UAE-UK Joint Economic Committee held last October in London.
The agenda included extensive debates and discussions focused on increasing bilateral trade by 60% from £7.5 billion to £12 billion in 2012, and strengthening the capacity of capital markets through exchange of experiences and information, including the launch of specialised training programs.
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shihhi, Director General, UAE Ministry of Economy, and Alderman Nick Anstee, Lord Mayor of the City of London, led the meeting, accompanied by the British Ambassador to the UAE, Edward Anthony Oakden, other government officials and British businessmen.
Al Shihhi described the meeting as 'highly productive' and an excellent way to break down any challenges and increase the investment opportunities between the two countries. "This is not simply a platform to introduce businesses to each other, but a more strategic approach to help make that step more rewarding. We have agreed that both countries need to organise task forces to gather information on the ease or difficulty of conducting business. There are certain factors we need to measure in order to improve. There will, of course, be trade shows and conferences that bring together top businessmen and decision makers from both countries to help us with that.
"One of the most encouraging points of the meeting was that it shows how enthusiastic both nations are to follow-up on developing economic ties," he added.
"Financial services are an essential part of our business relationship, and we hope that other sectors, such as alternative energy and innovation sectors receive the same level of attention to drive them to the next stage," added Al Shihhi.
Lord Anstee agreed that the meetings were extremely valuable to business relationships between the two countries and that the UK contingent of the working group would fully commit to achieving the goals within the agreed timeframe.
Several similar meetings will be held in the near future to follow-up and implement new programs.
The agenda included extensive debates and discussions focused on increasing bilateral trade by 60% from £7.5 billion to £12 billion in 2012, and strengthening the capacity of capital markets through exchange of experiences and information, including the launch of specialised training programs.
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shihhi, Director General, UAE Ministry of Economy, and Alderman Nick Anstee, Lord Mayor of the City of London, led the meeting, accompanied by the British Ambassador to the UAE, Edward Anthony Oakden, other government officials and British businessmen.
Al Shihhi described the meeting as 'highly productive' and an excellent way to break down any challenges and increase the investment opportunities between the two countries. "This is not simply a platform to introduce businesses to each other, but a more strategic approach to help make that step more rewarding. We have agreed that both countries need to organise task forces to gather information on the ease or difficulty of conducting business. There are certain factors we need to measure in order to improve. There will, of course, be trade shows and conferences that bring together top businessmen and decision makers from both countries to help us with that.
"One of the most encouraging points of the meeting was that it shows how enthusiastic both nations are to follow-up on developing economic ties," he added.
"Financial services are an essential part of our business relationship, and we hope that other sectors, such as alternative energy and innovation sectors receive the same level of attention to drive them to the next stage," added Al Shihhi.
Lord Anstee agreed that the meetings were extremely valuable to business relationships between the two countries and that the UK contingent of the working group would fully commit to achieving the goals within the agreed timeframe.
Several similar meetings will be held in the near future to follow-up and implement new programs.
