UAE | Government

Business community praises portfolio for foreign trade as progressive step to boost economy

Cabinet reshuffle seen as move towards a more transparent government and presence of more women is seen as testimony to Mohammad's resolve to provide equal opportunities to all.

  • Staff Report
  • Published: 00:35 February 19, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: The UAE's business community yesterday welcomed the Cabinet changes announced by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The business fraternity as a whole felt the Cabinet reshuffle endorses the UAE's move towards a more efficient and transparent government while giving growing representation to women and the younger generation.

The businessmen in general expressed happiness over the creation of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, which they said would further boost the government's attempt to diversify the economy.

Vidya Chhabria, Chairperson of Jumbo Electronics said: "The new Cabinet presented by Shaikh Mohammad is a well-balanced and harmonised team that that can play a significant role in accelerating and further enhancing economic and social development. The changes will give fresh impetus to important policy areas. The presence of more women in the Cabinet is ample testimony of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad's resolve to provide equal opportunities to people from all segments and categories to support the development of the country."

Dr Shahram Abdullah Zadeh, CEO of Al Fajer Properties said: "Indeed, the reshuffle of the Cabinet and the induction of seven new faces is a reflection of the foresight of the visionary rulers of this country in reinforcing the dynamism of governance the UAE is known for the world over. It is also a salient indicator of the government's desire to infuse fresh blood into the government and create opportunities for nurturing leadership. This is being done with a progressive focus, evident from giving rein to women as well to have their say in matters of polity and governance reflecting modernity and equal opportunities to all. The highly experienced members of the Cabinet will reinforce the success story of the UAE."

"The restructuring of the UAE Cabinet clearly demonstrates the foresight of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Shaikh Mohammad, who are committed to creating a progressive nation. It will allow the leaders of today to be groomed under their patronage for the challenges of tomorrow. These changes further strengthen the confidence of nationals, residents and the international business community in UAE's governance and growing economy," Ramesh Prabhakar, Managing Partner of the Rivoli Group, said.

"We are indeed very happy to learn Shaikh Mohammad has created a new portfolio for Foreign Trade, which is undoubtedly a progressive step taken by Shaikh Mohammad, in focusing international trade between the UAE and other countries, keeping in view the excellent development happening in the UAE as a whole, and Dubai in particular, as Dubai is a major trading hub in this part of the world," Kamal Vachani, Director, Al Maya Group and Regional Director of Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), Government of India said.

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