Swiss Business Council Dubai gathers prominent European Councils and Austrian Trade Commission at joint meeting

During the event, H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade (MoFT), delivered a speech outlining the UAE's strategic vision and plan, with H.E. Abdulla Bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary - MoFT, calling for sustained cooperation between all parties.

The European delegates from Germany, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands discussed the strengthening of ties among their respective countries with Switzerland and the UAE, and also affirmed their commitment to the goals of the Swiss British Council. H.E. Al Qasimi commended the domestic Councils for their important contributions towards the country's goal of sustained economic growth.

"Our government's vision of progress will further enhance our business environment and strengthen our external trade. The UAE was able to boost its share in global trade by Dhs150.4bn to Dhs 1 trillion in 2007, thus placing it in the global top 30. I would like to cite the Swiss Business Councils in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular for being instrumental in promoting business opportunities in the country. These non-profit, independently managed branches have been aggressively promoting the interests and activities of companies and individuals with interests between the UAE and Switzerland," said H.E. Sheikha Lubna.

H.E. Sheikha Lubna had previously referred to increased cooperation between the UAE and the regional and international business community as the main thrust of the newly-formed Ministry of Foreign Trade. The Ministry is in the process of preparing key policies and enforcement strategies to boost the UAE's business climate in a bid to attract further foreign partnerships, while finalizing trade agreements with global economic blocs such as the European Union.

"As the UAE's newly-appointed Minister of Foreign Trade, I would like to assure you all of my full commitment to further strengthening our economic relations. I am currently focusing on key regulatory reforms and intensified enforcement of trade policies that will improve the UAE's trading environment. My Ministry is also collaborating with regional leaders to enhance inter-Gulf trade and thus make this region an even more attractive international investment and business destination. During my term as Minister of Economy, I was able to lead the country to double-digit foreign direct investment growth; I look forward to attaining the same level of success as we partner for more progress for our respective nations," added H.E. Sheikha Lubna.

Established in 1996, event host Swiss Business Council is a non-profit organization licensed by the UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Currently managing independent domestic branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Council has led efforts to promote the interests and activities of individuals and companies with affiliations between the UAE and Switzerland. Its main objective is to promote commercial and personal relations between its members and enhance economic, social, and cultural relations between the UAE and Switzerland.