New drive to boost Saudi-Dubai trade

Saleh Bin Hasan Al-Afaliq, chairman of Al-Ahsa Chamber, led the delegation and was welcomed by Abdul Rahman Saif Al-Ghurair, chairman, Majid Hamad Rahma Al-Shamsi, first vice chairman, and Hamad Buamim, director general, Dubai Chamber. During the meeting, officials discussed some of the administrative obstacles to trade between Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Al-Ghurair said the visit would help further enhance cooperation between Dubai and Saudi Arabia. “Dubai and Saudi Arabia are already strong partners. Saudi Arabia is Dubai’s sixth biggest trade partner and last year non-oil trade reached AED32 billion, of which Dubai’s exports and re-exports valued AED26.8 billion and imports totaled AED5.4 billion,” he said. “Saudi Arabia is also a major growth market for Dubai Chamber members,” he said. “Our data shows that during the first half of this year our members’ exports and re-exports increased by 21.7 percent, compared to the same period in 2010, which shows that there is significant potential for future business growth,” he added. During the visit, Al-Ghurair also highlighted Dubai Chamber’s commitment to support Saudi Arabian businesses in Dubai, particularly in key economic sectors of trade, tourism, logistics and financial services. The Al-Ahsa delegation said they supported efforts to increase collaboration between the chambers of commerce in the region and improve the climate for businesses. Al-Afaliq said: “This visit is part of efforts to enhance the integration of economies in the region of which the private sector is a pillar. It is also part of Al-Ahsa Chamber’s aims to strengthen the experience of business in the region and to adapt to new developments in neighboring countries. “In addition, we are seeking to establish partnerships with representatives of the private sector in Dubai, which will help strengthen commercial ties,” he added. Abdullah Al-Nashwan, secretary general of Al-Ahsa Chamber, said: “Dubai Chamber’s experience is a pioneering one in the region and Al-Ahsa Chamber aims to get an insight into this experience in order to benefit and improve its services to members.” The visit comes as part of Al-Ahsa’s plans to launch an excellence award and a shopping festival. As part of the visit, Dubai Chamber also organized site visits for the delegation to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development and Jebel Ali Free Zone.