DNRD meets IBPC members

The event was inaugurated by Paras Shahdadpuri, President of the IBPC.

In his welcome speech, he expressed his admiration towards DNRD's efforts in attaining highest customer service satisfaction and being able to attend to businessmen requirements and simplify procedures.

He honored Major General Al Marri for his successful management of such a critical department. He also honored one of DNRD's most distinguished officials, Lt. Col. Mohd. Ahmed Al Hamadi, winner of the DGEP Award for Employee of the Year.

His Excellency Venu Rajamony, Consul General of India at Dubai expressed his deep admiration to DNRD ongoing efforts to provide high quality services, adopt recent IT developments, coordination with business sector and handling issues with human touch and care.

Addressing the IBPC members, Major General Al Marri highlighted the importance of organizing such gatherings, saying:

"DNRD has adopted a policy of strengthening strategic partnership with all the parties playing a vital role in the growth of trade and tourism in the UAE. Such meetings are important to discuss issues of concern with our partners, including business councils, consulates, and tourist companies to identify the suitable solutions."

Attendees of the event were briefed on DNRD's services offered at its headquarter and the various external branches including airports and seaports. Facilities to businessmen and public were also highlighted such as Amer self service kiosks and M-visa, a first of its kind service which allows Dubai residents to receive entry visa permits in the form of a barcode transmitted by SMS or email, as well as the E-gate cards and online entry permit and visa application through www.eform.ae and e-dnrd.

Shahdadpuri said, "We highly appreciate the DNRD's cooperation in this regard, which enables us to benefit from the business opportunities and facilities available in the UAE and are proud to be part of Dubai's growth internationally", and added "the bilateral trade between India and UAE has reached an impressive figure of $30bn out of which Dubai accounts for $27bn. And I can say, this is only the beginning. India today is ready to invest in UAE, in as much as we look forward to the investments from our UAE friends in India's huge growing economy, which, even in this troubled times, is expected to grow over 6% in 2009."

The Indian Business and Professional Council, which is a non-profit organization that provides services to Indian companies and businessmen who are working or aspiring to work in the UAE or vice versa. At the end of the event, IBPC honored Major General Al Marri and gave him shield of appreciation.

This gathering is the latest in a number of engagements between DNRD and its strategic partners, aimed at creating avenues of fruitful cooperation. The DNRD officials attended a similar meeting with the Italian, Lebanese, and American Business Council.