Maktoum attends Africa Global Forum

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, today attended the opening session of The Africa Global Business Forum 2013 (AGBF 2013) at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

The two-day forum which is jointly organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and COMESA Regional Investment Agency (COMESA RIA), will offer a platform to over 2,000 policy-makers and global business leaders from Africa, the GCC, Asia and Europe and beyond to discuss current challenges and business opportunities in finance, agribusiness, logistics, and trade across the economic blocs of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), the South African Development Community (SADC), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU).

Heba Salama, Director of Comesa Regional Investment Agency speaking at the opening session, which was attended by 3,000 people from the UAE and world around, highlighted the enormous investment opportunities available in the member states.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy delivered a speech in which he noted the importance of this Forum that underlines the role of the UAE strategic position in general and the emirate of Dubai in particular as safe and attractive destinations for foreign investments. The UAE at the same time constitute a communication portal between the Gulf region and Middle East from one side and the African continent on the other side.

The Forum will explore investment opportunities in Africa while highlighting the strategic role of Dubai as a world-class hub for connecting to Africa. It will provide a better understanding of the investment opportunities and advantages associated with doing business in the African Continent.

He urged the African businessmen to tap the UAE’s economic progress and expertise in sectors such as infrastructure and development.

The minister also stressed UAE’s interest in building strong economic relations with African strategic partners which offer lucrative investment opportunities.

He also noted that the UAE national carriers now cover a large number of destinations in Africa enabling investors from the UAE and Gulf countries to explore and promote African markets.

The session was attended by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of the Court of HH the Ruler of Dubai, Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

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