Dubai can mean business for Italian companies, a gateway to an Islamic market of 1.6 million people, with a potential export market to more than 120 countries, including India, Iran, Pakistan, Algeria, Libya and Saudi Arabia, said Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber on the sidelines of the 9th World Chambers Congress, which is being held in Turin, Italy, from June 10th-12th.

Speaking to the Italian News Agency, Agi, Buamim said, "Italy is currently one of the most important countries for us. We are now present in Italy with two events at the same time, notably with a big stand at Expo Milano 2015 with a focus on the food industry. We are also here in Turin, with big and small industries, from the automobile industry to fashion.

The CEO of Dubai Chamber added that now is the ideal time for European countries like Italy to expand their trade relations with the UAE, explaining that, "Italian supplies are now more affordable, and with the UAE Dirham linked to the dollar, as are all GCC currencies, I believe that this is the right moment for European countries to benefit from this situation."

Additionally, a delegation from the chamber will be in Rome between September 8th and10th to attend the World Retail Congress, an event which is set to be held in Dubai next April. "During the World Retail Congress in Rome, we will have a stand promoting Dubai as the next shopping destination" Buamim told Agi.

He went on to explain why Dubai is a gateway to the Middle East, Africa and south-east Asia. "We have a business community that aims to communicate with the rest of the world, notably with Italy, from where we import a variety of goods. We are also ready to export towards Saudi Arabia, Qatar, North Africa, Egypt and East Africa. I believe that entering this market is a great opportunity for Italian companies, from the energy field to infrastructure, and the food sector to fashion."
Source: WAM