Gulf News: What impact has the new elected board had on Abu Dhabi?
Al Shamsi: The direct election of the ADCCI board, with representatives of expatriate businessmen and women, underscores the shift in thinking of the Government and the importance given to the private sector. It is also recognition of the role played by expatriate businessmen and the government's determination to empower national women.
Since the new board took over, we have been meeting with members of the business community, nationals and expatriates, government officials and institutions to understand the requirements of the business sector and government, so that the Chamber can become a meaningful spokesman of the private sector business, and develop innovative services to help it.
On the basis of these dialogues, there have been discussions in the board on various issues. The board has formed 14 various committees and has been working out strategies and plans to meet the requirements of the business community, and also to introduce new services and improve the existing ones. The results of these exercises will be seen in due course.
Gulf News: Do you envisage a changing role for ADCCI now?
Al Shamsi: The role of the ADCCI in speaking for the private sector has [actually] remained the same. But the canvas in which it has to work has widened with the increasing role of the private sector in Abu Dhabi's economy. The Chamber has to play a big role in preparing our private sector to withstand the tough competition in world markets.
Gulf News: What role do you expect the private sector to play?
Al Shamsi: Direct elections to the ADCCI, including two expatriate members, underscores the great value in the eyes of the Government of Abu Dhabi of the private sector as well as for foreign investments. It is also a pointer to the roles the private sector and foreign investments will have to play in the development process of Abu Dhabi in future.
Gulf News: Has membership of ADCCI increased?
Al Shamsi: Membership is increasing rapidly, and stood at 75,234 end of June 2006. Of these, 4461 are new companies which have registered in the last six months.
Gulf News: What about future plans?
Al Shamsi: The ADCCI has already launched a campaign in the GCC countries, first in Qatar and then Oman, to promote business and investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi. A delegation will visit Kuwait soon, and then other Arab countries. The campaign will be extended to Europe, Far East and some other countries early next year.
