Dubai Business Women Council meets Australian delegation

Mrs. Raja Easa Al Gurg, President of the DBWC emphasized the council's interest in exploring the ways in which investment partnerships can be enhanced between the UAE and Australia in general, and Dubai in particular.

She also called on the private sector to benefit from the investment opportunities which are available in both countries, and from the facilities and initiatives which both countries are offering to attract a higher rate of investment.

This was disclosed during a meeting between Mrs. Raja Easa Al Gurg and the Australian Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Her Excellency Kristina Keneally at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry premises.

The meeting was held in the presence of DBWC Board members, Mrs. Faiza Al Sayed, DBWC Vice President, Mrs. Maryam Al Noori, Mrs. Kalyham Abdullah, Mrs. Khawla Lootah and Mrs. Sofia Saleh and other women investors and representatives of women's organizations, companies and foundations in New South Wales State, Australia. The delegation members came from various fields like designing, cosmetics, telecommunications, painting and other sectors.

Mrs Raja Easa Al Gurg, after welcoming the Minister and the delegation accompanying her, wished everyone a nice stay in Dubai. She made a presentation on the main goals of the DBWC and its efforts in raising the profile of businesswomen both internationally and in Emirati society.

She said that the Emirati woman had succeeded in many fields and had achievements in all sectors. She said that the number of businesswomen in the Emirates is more than 11,000 and their savings reach about Dhs37bn.

She noted that women form about 25% of the workforce. 4.5% are self-employed, 15% are in the board of directors of the chambers of commerce and industry and 30% work in small and mid-level projects. She said that in addition, Emirati women have also recently become involved in the political life of the country. She pointed out that women members make 22.5% of the National Federation Council and 10%of the nation's diplomatic corps, while 30% are in decision making posts and 66% work in the government sector.

She also explained that both countries have attractive plus points in the business field because they have positive geographic, economic and touristic components. Both countries also have easy procedures and facilities which they offer to each other, in order to increase the extent of investments and commercial exchanges between them.

The commercial exchanges between the two countries has achieved a remarkable growth in the last few years, exceeding Dhs4bn in 2006 compared to Dhs2.2 billion in 2002. She also invited the concerned parties to turn their attention to the availability of investment opportunities in the two countries by organizing mutual visits and participating in conferences and exhibitions which aim to close perception gaps and show investors actual opportunities for parking their funds.

The "FORSA" project was also explained, which is an important investment fund dedicated to woman investors and entrepreneurs, at a value of Dhs1bn. It is supported by an international high-level team in managing investments in order to achieve high incomes.

It includes a portfolio of investment funds based on various sectors like real estates, retail trade, education, health, and technology. It is an ambitious vision based on encouraging women investors. It supports creative projects of women and strives to develop their leadership skills. It is also a good platform for investments for those who have the capacity and desire to invest.

Her Excellency Kristina Keneally expressed her admiration for the achievements chalked up in the UAE and Dubai in different fields. It has become an important center for trade, tourism and business in the region, she noted. She also praised the achievements of the Emirati woman in the economic and political fields and reaching the highest positions.

She indicated that there are many fields in which businesswomen both in Australia and Dubai can improve themselves and reap common benefits by creating joint investment projects, which are useful for both countries.