Online meet fosters closer commercial relationships
Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General, Dubai Customs recently held a videoconferencing meeting with a Swiss delegation headed by Frank Eggmann, Swiss Consul General to Dubai to discuss means of enhancing mutual economic cooperation and trade between Dubai and Switzerland.
The two sides covered major matters including the stimulus packages launched by the Federal Government and Dubai Government to support the business activity and to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. They also talked about the measures taken by Dubai Customs to back the global supply chain and the business and trade groups in Dubai.
More than 30 representatives of Swiss companies were present in the meeting which was also attended by Dubai Customs executive directors and heads of departments.
In his speech, Musabih highlighted the solid relationships between Switzerland and the UAE in all fields, including trade, especially after the signing of the free trade agreement between the GCC countries and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
“Ertebaat is a transparent and solid platform that enables us foster our relationships with foreign business sectors and provide them with the best services and facilities,” said Musabih.
Musabih expressed optimism about the future of the economic and trade sector in the UAE, with the UAE prepared to host major international events including Expo 2020.
Dubai external trade with Switzerland grew 75% between 2010 and 2019 to make AED 60bn in 2019 compared to AED 34bn in 2010. In the first half of 2020, mutual trade between Switzerland and Dubai amounted to AED 24.3bn, with imports making AED 4.4bn, and exports and re-exports making the remainder AED 20bn. Major commodities include diamonds, pharmaceuticals, watches, gold and jewellery.
