The Dubai Expo will serve as a stimulus to accelerate the vibrant economic activities in the region by offering extensive investment, marketing and export opportunities to global investors, said UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi.
Talking to the business community at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) on Tuesday, he expressed satisfaction over the friendly relations enjoyed by the two countries.
He recalled that Pakistan was the third country that recognised the UAE after it was created nearly 50 years ago. “We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of our relationship this year in a big way,” he announced.
The envoy pointed out that around 1.7 million Pakistanis were working in the UAE. “They are not only contributing their productive role in the economic uplift of the emirate but are also sending $6 billion in annual remittances to Pakistan,” he added.
He expressed satisfaction over the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries and said that the trade value had risen from $14 billion three years ago to nearly $17 billion at present.
He said that Emirates airline was operating day and night for the assistance of importers and exporters.
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“Pakistan is exporting mangoes and other fruits to fulfill the domestic needs of the UAE, in addition to sending the same to other international destinations,” he added.
Regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the envoy lamented that the world was facing the challenges of food security.
He revealed that the UAE was introducing a golden and green visa policy to attract maximum participation of people in the Dubai Expo.
“Under the new policy, multiple visas will be issued instead of a single entry visa to foreign investors,” he said and assured meeting participants that details of the golden and green visa policy would be provided very soon.
“Pakistani investors should avail themselves of the golden and green visa facility to establish linkages with global markets through the UAE,” he said.
The envoy told the businessmen that UAE visa centres were operating in Islamabad and Karachi while a new centre would be operational very soon in Lahore.
“UAE investors can fulfill their needs of manpower through this visa centre,” he stressed.
“Both countries enjoy excellent cordial relations despite the sporadic rumours,” he pointed out.
While denying that the UAE had suspended flights from Pakistan to Dubai due to the threat of Delta virus, he informed the businessmen that the step was actually taken on the request of Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2021.
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