Free Zone strengthens trade relations with South Africa

H.E. Ismaeel Obaid Al Ali, UAE Ambassador to South Africa, met and welcomed El Omari and the delegation to the country, and updated them on the status of Arab businessmen and the business climate in the continent. He also provided a venue for the delegation to network and meet with Arabian businessmen and colleagues in the region.

During the visit, El Omari and the rest of the team met with a number of high profile South African officials to establish connections and expand their extensive business network. They were warmly received, with representatives from both the private and government sectors welcoming the opportunity to explore avenues of economic growth.

With Jerry Vilakazi, CEO of the Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), and Catherine Grant, Director of Trade Policy of BUSA, the delegation sat down and investigated the prospects for business collaboration between RAK FTZ's and Busa's extensive networks. BUSA, the first truly unified organisation for business in South Africa, supports and represents South African businesses and encourages them to play constructive roles within the country's economic growth and development.

"We are happy to support BUSA's mission to help South African companies reach their full potential both locally and internationally. I believe that, with each other's input, we will be able to design a blueprint that will lead to success on both sides,"

shared El Omari.

In separate meetings, the delegation also discussed viable business propositions for South Africans in the UAE, with members of the Institute of Management Consultants of South Africa; trade regulations and restrictions, with the officials of the Law Society of SA; and possible venues of cooperation, with the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Minara Chamber of Commerce.

"This visit has been time well-spent," El Omari commented. "With business in the UAE on the upswing, and South Africa buzzing with energy and enjoying the world's attention in anticipation of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, this is the perfect time to establish and build connections and explore possible business opportunities that will enhance trade between the two countries."

El Omari also attended the much-awaited convention, 'The Africa Dialogue', from 28 to 29 October, 2009, in Gauteng, SA and took home first hand insight into South Africa's new resources for global economic growth and liquidity in African Markets and Venture Capital.

Organised by the Department of Trade & Industry and Provincial Investment Promotion Agencies from around South Africa, The Africa Dialogue is a leading business convention. By providing a unique platform for delegates to debate pertinent issues with senior industry executives, learn, network, and conduct business, all under one roof, it facilitates the building of relationships between international companies and key players and decision makers from various global sectors.

"Throughout this past year, we saw the world economy buckle, recover and slowly change. Now, we have to sit up and deal with the new economic forces that dictate its growth. As it continues to grow and change, we ensure our own success by learning to adapt and change with it." El Omari commented and added, "New markets are vital for growth, and we need current business insight about them to know how to help them grow as well."

The UAE and the African continent have both been working hard to grow their trade relations. The recently-held African Business Forum in Dubai highlighted the need for more venues for cooperation and new channels for investment between the two. Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea, Alhaj Lansana Kouyate, who was in the UAE for the one-day conference, encouraged businessmen to take advantage of the forum to capitalise on the various avenues for business that it opened.