Dubai Chamber brings public and private sectors together for trade and logistics

As part of efforts to increase cooperation between Dubai’s public and private sectors, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a roundtable discussion for the transport and logistics sectors at its head office.

The roundtable discussion examined some of the current challenges facing the sectors, including the need for more regulation regarding land transport, insurance in the logistics sector, the development of roads across the UAE and obstacles to bilateral and cross border trade.

Representatives of the trade and logistics sectors met with Mr. Ali Ibrahim Mohammad, representative of the Dubai Government’s Economic Development Committee to discuss some of the challenges they are facing.

Leading the meeting, Mr Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, stressed the importance of the trade and logistics sectors for Dubai’s economy.

He said: “Dubai Chamber is aiming to develop the trade and logistics sectors as these are pillars of the economy. These sectors are main drivers of the country’s economy and this is why we are examining the current challenges and issues in order to improve operating conditions for businesses in Dubai.

“Dubai’s trade sector is performing well this year, with our members’ exports and re-exports reaching AED 181 billion during the first eight months of the year. This is a new record high and one that demonstrates that trade continues to lead the economy,” Mr. Nasib said.

“Dubai’s logistics sector is equipped with some of the best facilities in the world, like Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, which is ranked among the top 10 container ports worldwide,” he said.

“However, in order for Dubai’s trade and logistics sectors to remain ahead of global competitors we must remove obstacles to business, and the roundtable discussion was the ideal platform for us to address current challenges,” he added.

Representing the Economic Development Committee, Mr. Ali Ibrahim Mohammad, who also holds the position of Deputy Director General for Planning & Development Affairs at the Department of Economic Development (DED), praised Dubai Chamber for organising the roundtable.

He said it was part of the commitment between the public and private sectors to enhance cooperation and a chance for businesses to raise concerns. Mr Mohammad said Dubai Government was working on a strategy for the logistics sector and enhancing this sector was an important focus for the authority.

During the meeting a presentation was given by Ms Gayane Afrikian, Senior Economic Policy Adviser, DED, which was followed by a question and answer session.