Dubai Gulf nations will be better able to build a stronger and more competitive bloc once restrictions on cross-border trade are eased, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said yesterday.
Shaikh Mohammad called for the GCC to remove obstacles to cross-border trade in order to strengthen the region's economies, saying that it was important for the Gulf nations to do away with procedures that hinder trade and economic openness among member countries, especially in the private sector.
He added that such openness would benefit GCC nationals, ensuring stability and a good life, and that achieving these objectives is what the GCC leaders are working for.
Meeting
Shaikh Mohammad yesterday received at Zabeel Palace Dr Abdul Latif Rashid Al Zayani, GCC Secretary-General, and Khalil Al Khonji, President of the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and delegations of GCC Chambers participating in the 40th meeting of the Federation hosted by Abu Dhabi.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, were present.
Shaikh Mohammad was briefed by Al Zayani on the Federation of GCC Chamber meeting's programme and topics which were discussed that are in line with directives of the Rulers of the GCC to achieve the maximum level of coordination and trade and economic integration among member countries.
Al Zayani and the GCC Chamber delegation praised the urban development achieved for UAE people and the organised and integrated infrastructure, as well as social, tourism and economic development programmes.
They also commended the UAE model of economic openness and pro-business facilities the UAE government offers to businessmen and investors, establishing itself as an attractive global trade and business destination for major world companies.
They said that the UAE in general, and Dubai in particular, has become a popular tourism destination for families from the region, especially for holidays.
Present during the meeting were Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates airline and Group; Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture; Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and other senior officials.
