Dubai: Representatives of Dubai Customs and a French delegation held a meeting on Thursday to discuss trade and commercial cooperation ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai. A virtual meeting was also held with a visiting French diplomatic and business delegation.
Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said the growth momentum of Dubai’s external trade is gathering pace, driven by a number of factors. “We can see tourism and exhibition activity going back to normal in the emirate, with Expo around the corner,” he said. “Dubai has largely managed to mitigate the economic repercussions from the spread of the pandemic. DP World and its terminals around the world are performing very well.”
The meeting between Dubai Customs and the French delegation discussed a number of topics including means to further boost cooperation and facilities offered to foreign businesses. “Meetings like these help us develop our economic relationships with friendly states. We are committed to facilitating French trade and investment activities in the best possible way,” said Bin Sulayem.
Dubai saw trade of Dh14.9 billion with France in 2020. In the first-half of 2021, this touched Dh8.5 billion. Top commodities include jewellery, perfumes, medical products, textiles and leather.
“The UAE is our preferred choice for investment and trade. This is the message that I always convey to French officials. Dubai is the perfect link between the west and the east thanks to its strategic location and advanced infrastructure,” said Xavier Chatel, Ambassador of France to the UAE.
