Meeting of UAE-German commission begins in Berlin

Berlin, April 21, 2013 (WAM) - : The 9th meeting of the UAE-German joint economic commission has started in Berlin under the chairmanship of UAE Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri and German Minister for Economics '&' Technology Philipp Roesler Al Mansouri said in a speech that the meeting reflects strength of relations between the UAE and Germany and culminates the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum "We are keen on stepping up our cooperation into new levels, particularly in the fields of technology, innovation, knowledge-based economy, Small '&' Medium Enterprises, renewable energy, petrochemicals, healthcare, specifications, railways, tourism, financial services and insurance." Al Mansour said the UAE is the only country in the region that has strategic partnership with Germany. It is Germany's largest trade partner in the Gulf According to Al Mansouri, bilateral trade between UAE and Germany surged by 125 percent between 2004 and 2012. Trade in 2012 broke the 10.5 billion Euros, thanks to presence of over 1,000 German companies in the UAE. – Emirates News Agency, WAM