DED and the Italian Business Council organise business meeting on sustainable economic development

Aimed at strengthening public and private sector partnership

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Italian Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates organised a business meeting on “Together for sustainable economic development”. The event aimed at enhancing and strengthening strategic partnerships with public and private sector organisations and contributing to the economic development of the emirate.

Over 200 representatives from major private sector companies and corporations and several business councils and groups attended the meeting that highlighted the need for sustained co-operation in developing a viable and sustainable economy for the future of Dubai.

His Excellency Mr Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, DED, presented an overview of DED’s vision and mission and outlined DED’s structure with its four key agencies.

“Together with our agencies, the Foreign Investment Office, the Export Development Corporation, the Dubai Shopping Festival Office and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders which supports SME growth in Dubai, we will contribute to the economic growth plans of Dubai,” said Al Qamzi.

Al Qamzi added that DED’s focus in the short to medium term is to work together not only with other government departments but with the private sector to implement strategies to soften the impact of the global financial challenge, and to ensure the Dubai economy continues to be competitive.

“A key objective of ours is to work more closely with the private sector and ensure that they have the opportunity to provide inputs for economic policy development. In order to deliver economic policies that are in the best interest of Dubai and those who do business here, we must understand the issues that the private sector face in doing business in Dubai,” said Al Qamzi.

Dr Ottavia Molinari, President of the Italian Business Council, expressed her confidence in the various growth initiatives of Dubai and congratulated the government for its response to the global economic crisis. “The meeting on sustainable development offers a perfect opportunity for Italian entrepreneurs to analyse the growth potential offered by Dubai and partner in the growth story.”

“The strong international business representation in the event reflects the interest and need for the private sectors in meeting with the public organizations to work together in a common commitment to overcome the repercussions of the global financial crisis,” Dr Molinari added.

Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General for Planning and Development, DED; Dr Raed Safadi, Chief Economist, DED; Mr Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO, Foreign Investment Office; Mr Saed Al Awadi, CEO, Dubai Export Development Corporation; Mr Mohammed Shael, CEO, Business Registration and Licensing Division, DED, gave an overview about strategy development in the areas of economic policy development, foreign investment, export development and business registration.

About Department of Economic Development (DED):
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the Emirate of Dubai, UAE. DED supports the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified, innovative service-based economy that aims to improve the business environment and accelerate productivity growth.

DED and its agencies develop economic plans and policies, identify and support the growth of strategic sectors, and provide services to domestic and international investors and businesses.