DUBAI / WAM
Evo Morales, President of Bolivia, praised the relations between the UAE and Bolivia while highlighting the fact that the two countries enjoy many factors that encourage growth, especially in light of their promising economic, trade and investment capabilities.
He made this statement while meeting Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development, on the sidelines of the “9th Annual Investment Meeting 2019,” which began on Monday and will end tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the attendance of Abdulla Alsaleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade Affairs, and leading ministers from the Bolivian government and members of the delegation accompanying President Morales.
Morales explained that his country has the highest level of growth in South America and has witnessed the completion of many infrastructure development projects, most notably the development of its airports, roads and railway system, which will support his country’s foreign trade efforts and connect it with international markets.
He also noted his country’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy, through developing its petrochemical and manufacturing industries and benefitting from available resources, whether natural gas or other natural resources, most notably lithium, which is the main component of batteries and energy devices.
Morales added that there is considerable potential for strengthening and diversifying the joint economic and trade cooperation between his country and the UAE.
Al Nuaimi highlighted the UAE’s keenness to deepen its overall bilateral relations with Bolivia, especially in the area of development, the economy and trade, as well as its efforts to create an advanced world-class infrastructure, such as roads, airports or ports, which will enhance its stature as a centre of investment and trade.
He also affirmed the country’s interest in discovering economic and trade cooperation opportunities in Bolivia, as well as in exchanging expertise and knowledge in various sectors of mutual interest, which will serve both countries while stressing the importance of bringing their business communities closer and showcasing cooperation opportunities, as the private sector is a major player in promoting joint cooperation and establishing investment and development partnerships.