Dubai’s ease of doing business is expected to improve further following the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s announcement that it is cooperating with the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (Dafza) to connect the digital services of both organisations.

Under the terms of the new partnership, companies can register as Dubai Chamber members, or renew their existing membership, through Dafza’s digital platform.

The strategic move will expand digital services available to Dubai Chamber member companies and the wider business community in Dubai amid heightened demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the collaboration supports the Chamber’s efforts to boost the emirate’s attractiveness as a global business hub.

The announcement was made after a meeting held by the two entities, which was attended by Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of the Dubai Chamber, and Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director-General of Dafza, and other officials and directors.

During the meeting, representatives from the Dubai Chamber and Dafza discussed existing synergies between the two organisations and prospects for future cooperation, in addition to new ways to best utilise their potential to drive sustainable economic growth in Dubai and ensure the business continuity.

“Our cooperation with Dafza is a major step forward in our efforts to advance Dubai’s digital transformation and contribute to the Dubai Paperless Strategy. The move strengthens our Smart Chamber approach, which has resonated with our members as we have seen significant improvements in customer satisfaction after shifting more of our services online,” Buamim said.

“The Dafza is a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge digital solutions that contribute to providing services to customers, taking into consideration the global orientations of different economic and business sectors. Our cooperation with Dubai Chamber reflects the commitment of Dafza to continuing on its distinguished digital journey,” Dr Al Zarooni said.

“Considering the current situation because of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has affected many global economic sectors, our priority is to support businesses to the best of our capacity and ensure their operational effectiveness. This aligns with government objectives to limit the impact of this pandemic, ensure the continuity of businesses and underline Dubai’s position on the economic map as a rewarding destination for investment,” Al Zarooni added.

The Chamber’s announcement follows a similar collaboration with Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, JAFZA, under which membership services were offered through the Dubai Trade portal.

UAE-Russia food trade has increased steadily in recent years due to cooperation on food security and Moscow’s efforts to diversify exports, however, a recent Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry(DCCI) webinar revealed that much potential still remains in both traditional categories and niche markets.

The webinar, titled Russia-UAE Food Trade in the Post-Covid-19 Era, attracted 131 participants from the UAE, Russia, Eurasia and Africa, representing businesses operating in a wide range of economic sectors. The virtual event was organised by Dubai Chamber’s representative office in Azerbaijan in cooperation with Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The event featured presentations on key trends impacting food trade in the UAE and Russia, Dubai’s efforts to boost food security, new innovations in agri-business and food manufacturing, and bilateral business opportunities that can be further explored.

Dubai’s food imports from Russia reached $305 million in 2019, accounting for a large share of total bilateral trade, while Dubai’s food exports to Russia amounted to $114 million, according to government statistics revealed during the event. E-grocery, vertical farming, halal food, re-exports and food transportation were identified as high-potential areas where UAE and Russian companies can establish business tie-ups.

Addressing participants, Omar Khan, Director of International Offices at Dubai Chamber highlighted the various competitive advantages that Dubai offers Russian food exporters looking to service Mena and African markets, such as the emirate’s strategic geographic position providing access to 2 billion consumers, world-class logistics infrastructure, premier business-friendly environment and a sound financial system.

“Dubai Chamber is seeing growing interest on the part of food producers in Russia who are keen to leverage Dubai as a re-export hub, and explained that the emirate can serve as an ideal partner that can help Russian companies diversify their export markets and provide them with exceptional logistics and transport support,” said Khan.

WAM