Abu Dhabi Chamber discusses importance of expanding economic and investment cooperation with Belgium

ABU DHABI, 26th March, 2015 (WAM) -- Mohammed Thani Murshid Al-Rumaithi, Chairman of the Federation of the UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has called on Belgian industrial companies to build strategic partnerships with Emirati industrial companies, especially in the sectors that are listed in the development plans of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. During an extended meeting with a Belgian economic mission led by Princess Astrid of Belgium, who is representing the King of Belgium, Mr. Al-Rumaithi said that the economic and investment cooperation relations between the UAE and Belgium have witnessed positive development over the past few years. He noted that the total volume of trade exchange between the two sides reached Dh7.7 billion by the end of 2013, adding that many Belgian companies operate in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and contribute to the comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development process in the emirate. He also extended his praise and appreciation to these companies for their efforts and positive contribution to the development process in Abu Dhabi. Al-Rumaithi emphasised the readiness of the Abu Dhabi Chamber to support industry and trade with Belgian companies desirous of establishing economic and investment cooperation relations with Emirati companies operating in Abu Dhabi. Princess Astrid said that there is great interest from Belgian companies from all sectors to increase their presence in the UAE markets and increase their cooperation with Emirati companies as well as supporting the economic and social development process in the UAE. The Princess called on companies, businessmen and investors in the UAE to boost their investments in Belgium and benefit from the available investment opportunities in a number of pivotal sectors. After the meeting, the Abu Dhabi Chamber and Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry, BECI, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to increase and widen the scope of economic and investment cooperation between the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the operating companies in Abu Dhabi and the Belgian companies. Mohammed Helal Al-Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and Mrs. Sabine Soetens, International Business Development Manager at BECI, signed the Memorandum on behalf of their respective organisations. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395278434980.html