Dubai Chamber begins countdown to Africa Global Business Forum 2013

A Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting COMESA delegation prior to the ‘Africa Global Business Forum 2013 – Dubai’ being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on May 1-2 in Dubai. 

Held at the Meydan hotel recently, the dinner was attended by H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Managing Director of Dubai Expo 2020 Executive Bid Committee, Board Members and Director General of Dubai Chamber, H.E. Sindiso Ngwenya, COMESA Secretary General, government officials, members of the diplomatic community and business leaders from the private sector. 

Welcoming the hosting of the Forum organised in association with Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in Dubai, H.E. Al Hashimy said the strategic event will enhance the historic trading ties enjoyed by the UAE and the African countries. She called upon COMESA member countries to support Dubai’s bid to host the World Expo 2020 in the emirate. 

H.E. Buamim informed that the African region holds key to future economic growth as it offers an immense scope for bilateral trade. The region is home to seven of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world with a population of over 1 billion people and a combined GDP of close to US$2trillion, he said. 

The Forum will offer an ideal platform to enhance bilateral ties with Africa and will further help expansion of UAE investments in the Continent while showcasing Dubai’s status as a gateway for investments in and out of Africa, said H.E. Buamim adding that the participation of more than 2,000 delegates will promote Dubai and the competitiveness of its business community in overseas markets. 

On his part, H.E. Sindiso Ngwenya stated that the Forum follows the success of the 4th COMESA Investment Forum in Dubai from March 23 to 24, 2011 and will highlight the growing profile of the Continent as an attractive destination for investment and will open the doors to enhanced partnership between the two regions while promoting Dubai’s status as a centre for global exhibitions and events. 

The Secretary-General of COMESA supported Dubai’s bid to hosting World Expo 2020, stating that Dubai meets all the requirements for hosting a mammoth event like the World Expo on its shores. 

The visiting COMESA delegation earlier held a series of meetings with top officials of Dubai Chamber, UAE Ministry of Economy, Economic Zones World, Dubai Investments and Dubai International Financial Centre before departing on March 22.