Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah receives delegation from CBC

Addressing the delegation on the topic `Economic Development and Business Opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah', Sheikh Saud said that RAK was at the crossroads of a developmental boom which threw up tremendous opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs in various sectors.

He called for increased partnership between the private and the public sectors to create a sustainable economic model for the future. "Increased partnership between the public and private sectors is vital for creating a business friendly environment which could accomplish our developmental goals", he said.

He assured the business delegation that the Government of RAK is committed to removing all hurdles in the administrative, legal and other levels, to promote new investments and facilitate businesses in the emirate.

Delving on the ongoing developmental initiatives in the emirate, Sheikh Saud said that the Government of Ras Al Khaimah has rolled out numerous projects which were models of enduring public-private partnership.

"We are working on a new private hospital which will come next to the emirate's biggest public hospital, as a first step to the establishment of a health city. Similarly, a major American University is set to open campus in Ras Al Khaimah next year in collaboration with the public sector", he said.

He said that similar initiatives had contributed to the tremendous success of the recent IPO of RAK Properties. He added that there were plans to develop the infrastructure and logistics sectors of the emirate by upgrading the airport and the sea ports.

Sheikh Saud called for increased bilateral cooperation and enhancement of trade relations between Canada and UAE. The Crown Prince also hosted a luncheon for the delegation.

The dignitaries who attended the function included David Hutton, Canadian Ambassador to the UAE, Graham Rush, Head of Consulate and Senior Trade Commissioner in the Canadian Consulate, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department, Dave Barette, Chairman of the Canadian Business Council, Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Airport, Sheikh Muhammad bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of RAK Economic Department, Sheikh Muhammad bin Saud Al Qasimi, Dr. Khater Massaad, Advisor to the RAK Crown Prince, Dr. Izzat Dajani, CEO of the Investment and Development Office, Oussama El Omari, Project Director General of the RAK Free Trade Zone and a number of officials.