DUBAI:Pakistan attaches great importance to its cordial and friendly ties with the UAE and desires to further cement the socio-economic and trade relations between the two countries.This was stated by the Chief Minister Punjab Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif during his meeting with the Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer on Sunday.Shahbaz thanked the UAE government and said that the UAE, and particularly Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, has always shown support for Pakistan and this support translates into concrete investments in Pakistan.Al Tayer assured continued support of the UAE government to Pakistan. Dr. Naseer Saidi, Chief Economist and Head of External Relations DIFC gave a presentation on DIFC. He also pointed out the areas where DIFC support to Pakistan that could help in
reviving the economy.
Freezone
Shahbaz and members of his delegation also visited the Dubai Airport Freezone and held talks with the zone’s Director General, Dr. Mohammad Al Zarooni. They were briefed about the services and facilities provided by the freezone to foreign investors and multinational companies, such as no import duties, tax exemptions and investment incentives.Zarooni said that Dubai Airport freezone was one of the fastest growing premium freezone in the region and hosts 1,450 companies from various industry sectors. Located near the international airport, it attracts companies, specially in the export and re-export trade using air freight services, he said.Shahbaz said the key objective to visit Dubai and the freezone was to seek joint collaboration
and business opportunities. People from Dubai and Punjab can utilise the ample business opportunities much effectively, he said.
Burj Khalifa
The Chief Minister also met with CEO of Burj Khalifa along with representatives from companies such as Emaar, Habib Bank and Oman Insurance.They discussed the investment incentives offered by Pakistan, particularly Punjab, and the political will of the government to prioritise UAE investment and trade interests in Pakistan.Earlier, Shahbaz started the second day of his business visit to Dubai, with a meeting with Haji Muhammad Rafiq Giga, Chairman, Giga Group of Companies, at Burj Khalifa.At an event organised by Habtoor Group, the Chief Minister said that the success that Habtoor Group has seen in UAE remains an inspiration
for Pakistani companies.
Delegation
Meanwhile, the delegation and chamber representatives from Punjab accompanying the Chief Minister visited the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Department of Economic Development.They exchanged ideas on how to jointly work to establish trade and investment projects in Punjab. The delegates also met their counterparts in respective sectors to explore potential joint ventures and expressions of interest. Pakistan has had an average growth rate of 7 percent since 2003 and offers numerous opportunities to
UAE based investors.The Chief Minister Punjab is on a three-day visit to the UAE accompanied by a 100-CEO delegation with top companies represented from the sectors of agribusiness, livestock and dairy, mines, minerals and energy and international business. Today, he will attend the Pakistan Business and Investment Conference 2010 in Dubai – Kahleejnews
