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Canada-UAE Business Council launched, holds first meeting

The Canada-United Arab Emirates Business Council, or CUBC, was launched and held its first meeting in Montreal, led by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, and Ed Fast, Canada’s Minister of International Trade.

At the event, Fast also announced the Canadian members of the council.

“Our government’s top priority is the economy and creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for hard-working Canadians and their families,” he said. “As our government continues to open new markets for our exporters, dynamic markets such as the UAE offer exciting opportunities for our world-class businesses, and the Canadian members of this council have the knowledge and experience to help us strengthen this key trade relationship.”

The business council forms a core pillar of the Canada-UAE Strategic Agenda announced by the two countries last April to strengthen and re-energise the Canada-UAE relationships and to help create economic opportunity for both countries.

“In order to maximise the true potential of the Canada-UAE economic relationship, governments and businesses must work together,” said Fast. “That’s why both governments look forward to hearing from and working with the CUBC on a wide range of matters as we find practical ways to move the partnership forward.”

Also present at the inaugural meeting were Arif Lalani, Canada’s Ambassador to the UAE, and Mohammed Saif Helal Al Shehhi, the UAE’s Ambassador to Canada.

“The Canada-UAE Business Council further demonstrates the importance Canada attaches to its partnership with the UAE, and the vital role the private sector has to play. This is a significant milestone in our relationship,” said Lalani.

Gordon Nixon, president and chief executive officer of the Royal Bank of Canada, and Abdulla Saif Ali Slayem Al Nuaimi, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority and vice-chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, were named co-chairs of the CUBC in April.

“We believe that this is an excellent forum for our respective countries and businesses to continue collaborating with one another and expanding this strategic partnership,” said Al Nuaimi. “We share a deep history of trade and commerce. We would like to build on this.”

— business@khaleejtimes.com