Dubai Chamber seeks stronger ties with Belgium

Philippe Muyters, Flemish Minister for Work, Economy, Innovation and Sport, at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry head office.

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Antwerpen-Waasland, Belgium, organised a business meeting in the presence of Philippe Muyters, Flemish Minister for Work, Economy, Innovation and Sport, at the Chamber head office on Sunday.
Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, and Board Members of Dubai Chamber including Raja Al Gurg, Board Member of Dubai Chamber and President, Dubai Business Women Council, Sofi Saleh, Faiza Al Sayed, Easa Al Bastaki, President, University of Dubai as well as other officials and directors of the Chamber were present at the meeting.
With over 60 delegates attending, the business meeting was also attended by Thomas Pollet, Deputy Chief of Cabinet & Spokesman, Cathy Berx, governor of Antwerp, Dominique Mineur, Belgian Ambassador to the UAE, Stéphane Verbeeck, president, and Luc Luwel, CEO of Voka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antwerp - Waasland. 
Dubai's non-oil trade with Belgium nearly doubled over the last six years to reach $8.5 billion in 2015 accounting for a majority of the country's non-oil trade with the UAE while there are 237 Belgian companies among Dubai Chamber members.
In his welcome address, Al Ghurair informed that both Dubai and Belgium are very keen to take their bilateral trade ties to a higher level as is evident from the frequent meetings between the two sides. 
"Last year, we organised the UAE-Belgium forum in Dubai as part of an economic mission led by Princess Astrid and a delegation of ministers as we fostered stronger cooperation and encouraged two-way investment across key sectors, including trade and tourism and also signed two important agreements with chambers of commerce to enhance bilateral trade and to explore joint ventures," said Al Ghurair.
"With your visit today, we hope to build on these efforts and pave the way for increased collaboration and new economic growth as Belgium is Dubai's 11th largest trading partner and both sides enjoy strategic geographic position, a supportive environment for businesses and investors, as well as thriving economies supported by global trade," said Al Ghurair. - business@khaleejtimes.com