DCCI leads move to reinforce UAE-Libya Trade Links

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) is joining forces with Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) to promote UAE trade and tourism at an official exhibition in Libya.

The three bodies will combine their expertise as joint-organisers of ‘UAE in Libya’, which is being held in Tripoli from 27-30 November to reinforce business links between the two countries as Libya enters a new era of growth.

Foundations for bilateral business activity already exist thanks to geographical proximity, excellent air and sea links and the traditionally close cultural and political relationship between the two countries. The latter was highlighted recently when H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, visited Libya and triggered renewed interest in strengthening trading ties.

“The visit of Shiekh Mohammed paved the way for healthier contribution of businessmen in both countries for larger economic cooperation, trade flow and joint investment projects,” said H.E. Abdul Rahman Ghanim Al Mutawee Director General of DCCI. “The exhibition is an important and positive step towards opening new markets for UAE products and services in Libya.”

The DCCI is taking a lead role in organising ‘UAE in Libya’ as part of strategy to provide value added services for members, develop stronger relationships with the business community and find new overseas markets for local products and services. 

Other events arising from this strategy include a UAE trade exhibition in India and next month’s UAE-Germany Economic Partnership forum taking place in Essen, Germany.

The organisers of ‘UAE in Libya’ have been encouraged by the substantial increase of bilateral trade volumes which reached Dhs1.6 billion in 2003 - a 230 per cent increase compared with 2000. 

The DTCM believes the event, which is being project managed by Dubai-based Streamline Marketing, will give a major boost to tourism. “Whereas opportunities to do this have been limited in the past we’re now very excited about taking part in ‘UAE in Libya’ and realising the new-found potential of the North Africa region,” said Khalifa Ali Buamaim, Manager, Overseas Promotion at DCCI.

Alongside raising awareness of Dubai’s assets and promoting the UAE as a tourist destination, the DTCM has outlined the massive potential for UAE-based companies such as tour operators and hotels wishing to break into the Libyan market.

“Libya, and the surrounding countries to which it provides such a vital gateway, is now an attractive market for a diverse range of mutually beneficial business ventures and as a result we’re already expecting over 100 exhibitors to take part in November,” said Buamaim.

Alongside DTCM’s call for those involved in tourism to participate in November, representatives are also being encouraged from agriculture, transport, construction, IT and telecommunications, the plastics, metals and aluminium industries, foodstuffs and electronics organisations and enterprises and departments belonging to the training and education sectors.

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