DCCI receives a large trade delegation from Australia

The remarks came in a meeting had taken place today, Sunday, at the DCCI headquarters between top officials of the Chamber of Dubai and a high caliber Australian trade delegation from Queensland, headed by Honorable Mike Ahern, Queensland Government Special Representative to Africa, the Middle East and India. Mr. Hesham Al Shirawi, Member of the Board of Directors of DCCI and Mr. Abdulrahman Ghanem Al Mutaiwee, the Director-General attended the meeting along with a number of Australian and Dubai businessmen who gave some briefings on their experience in various sectors during the meeting.

"The Government of Dubai provides investors with a competitive package of investment facilities, stable economic policy and absence of all sorts of taxes on personal and corporate incomes. These measures have induced multinational companies and international businesses to establish a presence in Dubai", Mr. Al Ghurair assured.

He pointed out that Dubai Government has created a highly developed integrated infrastructure facilities and modern services for businessmen, which made Dubai an ideal regional and international business center.

"I'm delighted to say that Dubai is witnessing a phenomenal economic boom. The sectors of modern residential construction projects, infrastructure, information and communication technology, banking and financial services and the manufacturing industries all represent the core of development initiatives of Dubai. These developments have created stronger and progressive economic relations with Dubai trading and economic partners like Australia", Mr. Al Ghurair said.

Non-oil trade between Dubai and Australia has reached about US$ 625 million in the year 2003. "We look forward to boost the volume of our non-oil bilateral trade in the coming two years to cross the ceiling of one billion US dollars. Tourism flow between Dubai and Australia has doubled in the past few years. The number of Australian tourists who have visited Dubai reached 79000 in the year 2004 against a few thousands in the year 2000. A similar increase in Dubai tourists in Dubai was realized", Mr. Al Ghurair mentioned.

"All these positive and encouraging achievements came because of the efforts made by Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry in close cooperation with the Australian Trade Commission "AUSTRADE", Victorian Government Business Office, the Representative Office of the Government of South Australia and Western Australian Trade Office. These offices are actively promoting trade and investment between Dubai and Australia", He added.

Mr. Ahern highlighted the enormous business and trade relations between Australia and Dubai focusing on the notable progress being witnessed in the Emirate day after day, especially in the arena of construction.

"A number of Australian companies are getting paths to Dubai and contributing in creating a mutual benefits for all of us", he said. "Australia is now doing well and its economy is reflected in a good cooperation with many countries", he added remarking that through promoting investments and exports between the both sides, a great outcome and good friendship will enormously arise for the benefit of all of us", he mentioned.

This press release is issued by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). Established in 1965 by virtue of late Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Ruler of Dubai. DCCI has been the backbone of the commercial and economic activities of the Emirates and a source of development and progress. Its mission is to be indispensable source of competitive advantage for the business community in Dubai.