Abu Dhabi: Trade relations between the UAE and the UK are strong and thriving, British Ambassador to the UAE Philip Parham said.
Speaking to Gulf News at a reception hosted for a British business delegation visiting the UAE to explore opportunities on Sunday evening, Parham said that trade between both the countries is growing.
“We are close to achieving the trade target of £12 billion per year set two or three years ago. The business is strong between the countries and growing. There is cooperation is in various fields including engineering, design, financial services and consultancy.”
He said opportunities for both countries are big. “UK economy is performing well. It has a strongest growth rate among G7 economies at the moment. UAE is also dynamic and a vibrant market.”
He added that the trade delegation consisting small and medium enterprises wanted to expand their business with Emirati partners. And that Santander, a UK bank is helping them in collaboration with British Embassy.
The business delegation will be in the UAE for a week. It has representatives from eleven small and medium enterprises specialising in creative industries, retail, chemicals, construction industry etc.
“We are trying to help SMEs from the UK to grow their business and this is a good opportunity for them to interact with various people in the UAE,” said John Mark Williams, head of the breakthrough programme in Santander Corporate Banking.
He said that they are planning one more business delegation to the UAE next year. “The outcome of the visit has been good so far. Some company representatives said that they want to visit the country again to hold further discussions with potential partners.”
