UAE and Chile bolster relations, will build new facilities, rep offices

Santiago, Chile - Big food storage and distribution centre in the UAE being planned

Bilateral trade and investments between the UAE and Chile will see a major boost in the near future as the two countries plan to set up a huge storage and logistics facility in the UAE for perishable goods, while also planning to open trade representative offices in the two countries, a senior government official said.
Abdul Razzaq Mohamed Hadi, UAE Ambassador to Chile, said there are plenty of opportunities in the hospitality, mining, infrastructure and technology sectors in the South American nation for businesses in the UAE.
"We are planning a big food storage and distribution centre in the UAE with Chile to use it as a distribution centre for the GCC and other countries by trucks. We are putting a target of three years plan and looking at the support of businessmen in the UAE and Chile. In November, a delegation will be going from Chile to see opportunities in the UAE and a delegation from UAE will come to Chile to see facilities and opportunities here in early next year. We are also planning chambers of commerce in Chile, Dubai and Abu Dhabi to open their offices in the two countries," Hadi told Khaleej Times during an interview.
In addition, Hadi revealed that they are working on a project to organise a forum and conference in Chile during the visit of the UAE delegation early next year.
"We are focusing on different sectors. For example, hospitality is good sector for Emiratis to invest in. Mining is another good sector for investment. We want to have partnerships in food security, sea food and fruits. It is a great opportunity for farm owners in the UAE to have their own farms here and export their produce to the UAE," Hadi said on the sidelines of a Press conference organised to announce Emirates' inaugural flight to Santiago, Chile, on Friday.
The ambassador pointed out that businessmen and tourists from China, India, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, and other Middle East countries can easily connect through Emirates' South American network.
With the introduction of the Emirates flight, Hadi sees the tourism numbers will also substantially increase from UAE to Chile.
In November 2017, the UAE and Chile signed an agreement, exempting their nationals from visas upon entering the two countries. Hadi said they are working with the Chilean government to facilitate visa online services for the businessmen in the UAE and for expats living in the UAE who want to visit Chile for tourism.
- waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com