Homage to UAE-Pakistan business development

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Homage to UAE-Pakistan business development
Dr Syed Qaiser Anis, President of the Pakistan Business Professional Council Abu Dhabi (PBPC)

President of the Pakistan Business Professional Council Abu Dhabi (PBPC) Dr Syed Qaiser Anis shares the organisation's experience and accomplishments in the UAE. Excerpts:

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Published: Thu 23 Mar 2017, 12:52 PM

Briefly tell us about Pakistan Business Professional Council, its establishment in Abu Dhabi and presence in the UAE.
The Pakistan Business Professional Council Abu Dhabi was established in 2004 and has since endeavoured to promote trade, commerce and investment between the UAE, Pakistan and other countries. 
PBPC Abu Dhabi is an independent, non-profit organisation comprised of corporations, small and medium-sized companies, and business leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs. 
The Council is under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and since its formation has been involved in  more than six agreements between Pakistan and UAE institutions such as Karachi Stock Exchange, Lahore Stock Exchange, Central Depository of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market. 
Tell us about the business and trade environment in the UAE and what potential it holds for Pakistan-based organisations looking to set up base here. 
The UAE has grown in every regard since its inception and continues at an unprecedented pace. In the span of 45 years, the UAE has progressed in the area of trade, commerce investment, health, education and infrastructure. The structure of the UAE is very strong and stable comprising the seven emirates that work together under the vision of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and now The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
There are 200 nationalities living in the UAE peacefully and credit goes to the leadership. The security provided to its residents is outstanding and everyone lives happily and peacefully. Recently, they formed the Ministry of Happiness as the leadership is trying to make its residents the happiest in the world. 
The UAE holds Pakistan in very high esteem and welcomes Pakistanis, Pakistani businessmen and professionals, giving opportunities to Pakistanis to which we are very thankful to the Rulers. 
Securing the Expo 2020 was a great achievement by the UAE's leadership. Dubai and the whole of UAE is getting ready for hosting, attracting more than 200 countries to attend and participate. Furthermore, businesses are expected to benefit from this, Dubai in particular, and UAE in general. 
The Council wants businessmen and professionals from Pakistan to come and expand their business in the UAE, and from here they can tap new technology of new markets. Similarly, the UAE businessman can invest in Pakistan and be competitive in the international market because of our abundant resources and raw materials. We recommend the BOI should actively participate in this area with the PBPC Abu Dhabi and PBC Dubai. 
PBPC Abu Dhabi recently held a conference inviting business councils in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to identify the potential to set up business in Pakistan, specially relating to CPEC, where many business groups have been interested exploring potential business opportunities.   
How does PBPC keep up with the changing demands of the market and boost commercial ties between the UAE and Pakistan?
Recently, we hosted a delegation from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan where we identified projects. It is a region of tremendous potential. Rich in resources and human capital and ready to emerge into the global economy. 
Since its inception, the Council has grown to 150 corporate and individual members and continues to grow. These members get the opportunity to meet and gain exposure with 32 business councils in Abu Dhabi. Through various events and initiatives our members are able to grow professionally and personally. 
We have participated twice, in 2015 and 2016, in the Pakistan Property Exhibition as part of the International Real Estate and Investment Show in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The Pakistan Pavilion highlighted key real estate investment opportunities in Pakistan and facilities investments of UAE-based non-resident Pakistanis in the bourgeoning real estate market in their home country. The Council's Executive Board was actively present during the three-day exhibition and entertained questions and queries, which provided an opportunity to promote its activities and interact with the community at large.  
Early this year, on January 24, the PBPC Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a joint seminar on opportunities of business and investment on which H.E. Juma Mohamed A Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Trade Affairs of UAE Ministry of Economy, applauded the Abu Dhabi Chamber and PBPC Abu Dhabi for organising and providing an ideal platform for sharing the UAE's business and trade potentials and how Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors can fully maximise it. 
Tell us your target and expectations for the year 2017.
This year PBPC Abu Dhabi is making a step to develop lasting relationships with the community and began building momentum with a programme that will achieve the council's objectives. 
PBPC Abu Dhabi targets to sustain and increase its membership base through the initiative and support of each member. We have series of programmes lined up:
1) Promotional event hosted by Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
2) Participation in an exhibition 
3) Cricket tournament 
4) A business investment conference
5) A seminar on happiness 


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