Dubai Chamber woos Baku investors. And Alsirawi makes a statement

A delegation from the retail and franchising sectors led by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently concluded their trade mission to Baku in Azerbaijan.

Besides meeting the country’s Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev, the delegation also visited Baku’s iconic real estate development of residential and commercial complexes.

The delegation, which was headed by Hisham Al Shirawi, second vice-chairman of the Dubai Chamber, included Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, board member of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons; Adel Zarouni, managing director of Rivoli Group; Nilesh Ved, chairman of Apparel Group; and Ishwar Chugani, executive director of Giordano.

The delegation’s objective was to promote the experience and know-how of modern Dubai retailers and developers in planning, building and running modern shopping centres. Another aim of the mission was to create an opportunity for leading Dubai and Azerbaijani retailers to discuss business opportunities as well as to strengthen the status of the emirate as an international retail and franchising hub.

Mustafayev lauded the deep political and economic relations enjoyed by the two countries, stating that these ties are being further enhanced due to the UAE and Azerbaijan’s financial stability.

He also said that political relations, legal framework, as well as fruitful activity of the Intergovernmental Commission paved the way for development of the economic cooperation.

“Trade and economic ties are expanding between Azerbaijan and the UAE. The opening of the Dubai Chamber’s representative office in Baku is a strong signal of cooperation between the two countries,” said Mustafayev.

He added that there were ample cooperation opportunities for developing infrastructure, trade, agriculture and investment between the two countries.

Al Shirawi stated that the Dubai Chamber has studied Azerbaijan’s economic growth and has identified its significant economic and investment potential hence chose the country as an ideal location for its first international office as well as due to its close proximity to CIS countries, Central Asia and the Caucasus. He highlighted Dubai’s status as an excellent re-export hub offering world-class logistical and infrastructural services to traders from Azerbaijan and CIS countries wanting to reach major consumer markets in the region and the world.