Dubai-Rotterdam Business Forum emphasises on stronger bilateral ties

DUBAI / WAM

Being major re-export hubs in their respective regions, Dubai and the Netherlands can open a gateway for business opportunities with the rest of the GCC, Africa, and Asia, as well as become an ideal trading partner for the European markets, according a senior official of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
With access to over two billion consumers, the emirate serves as a unique hub which Dutch companies can benefit from, Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice-Chairman of Dubai Chamber, said while addressing the Dubai-Rotterdam Business Forum hosted at the chamber’s premises on Thursday.
The forum, held in collaboration with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, Rotterdam Partners and City of Rotterdam, was attended by Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of
Rotterdam, Jaap Docter, Director Business Services at Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of companies from the Netherlands and the UAE.
In his welcome address, Al Shirawi said, “The Netherlands is an important trading partner for us and we have been working to strengthen this relationship in recent years. Also, we see this repeat visit by the Rotterdam business delegation as yet another golden opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations with Dutch businesses, and to take them to a new level altogether.
“Rotterdam, in particular, has a lot in common with Dubai, as both cities are home to the largest ports in their respective regions and are proactive in diversifying their economies while endeavouring to reach out to emerging markets for trade and investment opportunities.”