Dubai Chamber discusses business community challenges

The meeting was organised as part of the Chamber’s mission to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai

Dubai: The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted the fourth quarterly roundtable meeting of 2014, with representatives of business councils and groups and discussed business community issues.

The meeting was organised as part of the Chamber’s mission to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai. Also, with its objective of reinforcing two-way communication with all its stakeholders, the last quarterly meeting of the year 2014 discussed challenges and issues faced by the business community.

It also exchanged views on the latest economic developments, debated solutions to the obstacles that limit business activities, while preparing recommendations to be put forth to the relevant government authorities.

During the meeting, the participants spoke about some of the major challenges facing their businesses, most notably the acquisition of funds for the small and medium enterprises and the means to curb rising costs of operating their businesses.

Stressing on the importance of strengthening the existing partnership between the public and private sectors, Atiq Juma Nasib, senior vice-president of the Commercial Services Sector at Dubai Chamber, insisted that this partnership is one of the pillars of Dubai’s economic success. He added that in order to enhance the competitiveness of the emirate’s business community, the Dubai Government provides them with the highest international standard services which ultimately boost their confidence in Dubai’s lucrative investment environment.

Talking about Dubai Chamber members’ monthly exports and re-exports in November, Nasib added that these reached Dh23.2 billion, showing a year-on-year growth of 11 per cent compared to November 2013, and a monthly growth of six per cent in comparison to October 2014, which clearly shows the growth of the trade sector and the opportunities it offers to the business community.

On a query by the representatives of the business councils and groups about the Chamber’s expansion strategy in promising markets, Nasib informed them about the upcoming destinations, trade missions and the launch of the smart application ‘Africa Gateway’ which highlights the investment opportunities in the African continent.

On their part, the representatives of the business councils and groups lauded Dubai Chamber’s support to the private sector by providing them better business opportunities and also by reaching out to new markets and encouraging an open forum to discuss issues, which ultimately helps in enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai businesses.

Initiated by Dubai Chamber in early 2009, these quarterly roundtable meetings leads to enhanced communication while encouraging its members to network, catch up and compare their progress throughout the previous quarters.

These gatherings provide the Chamber’s stakeholders a platform to put across any challenges faced which are promptly conveyed to the concerned government authorities for action.