UAE to boost Indian trade ties with major Mumbai expo

The first 'UAE Trade Exhibition in India' is scheduled for May 12-15, at the Mumbai World Trade Centre.

The venture is being mounted by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Public Corp. for Ports Customs & Free Zone and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

'The exhibition in Mumbai will further enhance business relations with India and create wider business opportunities,' says Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, director general DCCI.

'It is a unique opportunity for the manufacturers and businessmen in the UAE and India. It will also boost bilateral trade from the figure of Dhs 7.6 billion achieved in 2001.'

All exhibitors will be from the UAE. Many businessmen are also expected to travel independently from the UAE to attend and support the exhibition, says Mutaiwee.

He adds the first UAE expo' in Mumbai will be a top-quality event as Dubai is the clear-cut leader in the Middle East when it comes to organising international exhibitions and trade fairs.

'Over 60 international trade fairs and exhibitions are held in Dubai each year. Over the years, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has gained considerable experience in organising exhibitions which have played a significant role in the growth of trade and flow of investment with many countries in Asia and Africa.'

DTCM director general, Khalid A. bin Sulayem, was positive that the expo would provide impetus to mutual trade between the two countries and remarked that this event was a classic example of the excellent teamwork between the public and private sector in Dubai.

'The UAE and India have a long history of commercial ties and this bilateral relationship is set to grow stronger with the staging of the UAE trade exhibition in India.

'India's achievements over the last few years have effectively seen the country's re-emergence as a major regional influence.

'The UAE too, has emerged as the regional trading hub, attracting major inward investment.

'Our aims in the Indian market are to progressively strengthen trade and economic links.'

Bin Sulayem says the importance attached to the market in India is underscored by the DTCM having a representative office in India.

From its base in the commercial capital Mumbai the office covers all of India as part of a 'major programme' to increase Dubai's business and tourism links with India.

He says two-way trade between the two nations has been steadily increasing, adding India is ranked as one of the UAE's major trading partners and a prime source of inward investment.

'The large number of Indian companies in Dubai and the UAE are proof of the growing ties between our two countries and the potential for investment.'

Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, president of the International Expo Consults (IEC), the technical organiser of 'UAE Trade Exhibition in India', says the expo is an extensive logistical exercise, but guaranteed to be a great success.

'IEC already has experience of the market in India so we are ready to deliver an outstanding exhibition.

'Exhibitors' stands will feature the best of just about everything and anything from the UAE. New business opportunities will certainly be to the fore.

'India is surging economically at the moment in a variety of fields so it is definitely the right time to take the UAE brand to the market via this exciting Mumbai event. The two countries have extremely close ties - they will be even stronger after UAE in India.'