Dubai Chamber discusses private sector challenges with business groups and councils

As part of its strategy to reinforce two-way communication with all its stakeholders and to discuss the challenges faced by the business community, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted its 2^nd quarterly Business Councils and Business Groups roundtable meeting at its Jebel Ali Branch recently. 

With its agenda of getting a quarterly update from the business community, while informing them about the Chamber’s new initiatives, strategies, and upcoming events, the meeting was held in the presence of Mr. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, and was attended by representatives of 43 Business Councils and 27 Business Groups, operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber. 

During the meeting, members of the Business Groups and Councils asked for foreign trade centre representatives operating in Dubai to be present and participate in future roundtable meetings to enable enhanced communication and networking to take place.

Dubai Chamber provided attendees with an update on the latest laws and regulations currently under review in the emirate. 

In his welcome address, Mr. Nasib stated that growth in Dubai Chamber members’ trade this year accelerated in March and April, with monthly exports up 5% year-on-year in March and up 2.5% in April. 

‘‘This is a positive sign moving forward and we are optimistic that this upwards trend will play out for the rest of the year,” Mr Nasib said. 

Mr. Nasib also informed that the Chamber-organised Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award is now open to companies across the GCC, which he said is a major step towards cultivating a unified approach to best business practices in the region. 

Informing the gathering about the Chamber’s two major events this year, Mr. Nasib  stated that the Africa Global Business Forum 2014 and the 10th World Islamic Economic Forum are being organised in October and are helping to position Dubai as an international business destination with new investment opportunities for Dubai Chamber members. 

He also appreciated the contribution of the various Business Councils and Business Groups to the economic growth of Dubai and their commitment to promote Dubai as an international business hub. 

On their part, the representatives of the Business Councils and Business Groups praised Dubai Chamber’s support to the private sector by providing them better business opportunities as also by reaching out to new markets and encouraging an open forum to discuss issues which ultimately helps in enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai businesses.