Ontario’s minister of small business and entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar headed a delegation of 14 high profile Canadian business leaders, including women entrepreneurs and parliamentarians, which visited Tecom Investments, a member of Dubai Holding.

The delegation, which was received by CEO of Tecom Investments Abdullatif Almulla, discussed potential collaboration between the two entities. The Canadian team included members from academia, business, government and non-governmental as well as civil society organisations.

Almulla highlighted Tecom Investments’ leading role in successfully contributing to developing a knowledge-based economy in Dubai.

 “As a global entity, the Tecom Investments’ business model has driven substantial international interest, especially from organisations in developed western economies. This year alone, we have received over 20 delegations from various countries, expressing keen interest in the dynamics of our free zone clusters and its contribution to Dubai and the regional economies,” said Almulla.
 
“In addition to recognising Tecom Investments’ local and overseas expansion initiatives that significantly impact Dubai’s growth, the Canadian delegation also explored common investment opportunities,” added Almulla.

The UAE is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East. Canada’s exports to the UAE reached Dh2.87 billion ($0.781 million) in 2006, an increase of 33.89 per cent over 2005.

More than 12,000 Canadians are working in the UAE, with over 30 companies operating in the construction and ancillary industries. Around 2,000 Emirati students are pursuing further education in Canadian universities.

A total of 115 Canadian companies are active in the UAE, and more than 40 Canadian companies from the oil and gas sector supply equipment or services to the energy industry in the UAE and the Gulf region.

The visit of the Canadian businesswomen and leaders to Tecom Investments is part of an initiative led by Women Engaging in Bridge Building organisation (WEBB). The group is active in building bridges across diverse cultures and faiths. – TradeArabia News Service