Salem Al Shamsi: Analyzing Armenia’s Business Dynamics
Introduction to the Forum
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a business forum in Yerevan, Armenia, on October 22-23, titled “Business Relations with Armenia.” This event aimed to enhance trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Dubai and Armenia.
Dubai as a Gateway for Armenian Businesses
In an interview, Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, emphasized the essential role Dubai plays as a gateway for international businesses, including those from Armenia. “The main topic is how Dubai Chamber of Commerce can help Armenian businesses connect to the world,” he noted.
By partnering with prominent regional logistics players like DP World and Emirates, Dubai Chambers offers extensive support to businesses. The UAE accounts for 41% of total exports and re-exports from the Middle East, showcasing its logistical prowess. DP World manages over 90 ports globally, significant for helping businesses reach diverse markets, particularly in Africa, where they operate more than 20 ports.
Airline Connectivity
Moreover, Flydubai and Emirates play a vital role in connecting Yerevan to over 200 international destinations. “This connectivity helps businesses travel around the world,” said Al Shamsi. By facilitating these connections, Dubai Chambers represents the business community effectively, offering a concierge service for Armenian entrepreneurs seeking local partnerships.
Potential Sectors for Cooperation
Al Shamsi highlighted the potential for cross-sector cooperation between Dubai-based firms and Armenian businesses. This initial interaction aimed to familiarize Dubai delegates with Armenia’s business landscape. “We brought 15 businesses from Dubai, representing nine different sectors,” he explained.
Promising sectors identified include retail, apparel, and the ICT segment. Noting the growth of the ICT sector and startups in Armenia, Al Shamsi remarked on its synergy with Dubai’s own focus in these areas. The opportunity to participate in global events, such as the Expand North Star tech exhibition, was a topic among stakeholders, indicating a commitment to support Armenian startups in leveraging Dubai’s resources.
Knowledge Exchange and Best Practices
Discussing the knowledge exchange between Dubai and Armenia, Al Shamsi stated, “We want to learn from Armenians as well. They are great businessmen and businesswomen.” He stressed the importance of increasing business delegations from both regions to facilitate mutual growth. The more businesses engage with one another, the greater the understanding of effective business strategies that could be shared.
Strategic Geographical Position
When considering Armenia’s role in Dubai’s broader strategy for trade and investment partnerships, its geographical position between Asia and Europe is particularly vital. Al Shamsi noted, “We see this forum as an opportunity to explore how we can expand this connectivity after the event.”
The eagerness shown by the Armenian business community to engage with Dubai was evident throughout the forum. Al Shamsi expressed optimism about leveraging Armenia’s location to benefit businesses in both regions.
Future Expectations
Looking ahead, Al Shamsi expressed a hopeful outlook for the Armenia-Dubai business relationship. “I hope I know the future. But for me, I see positiveness,” he stated. The recent increase of 38 percent in businesses from Armenia highlights the growing interest; 79 companies joined Dubai Chambers in just the first half of the year.
With 500 active Armenian members within the Dubai Chambers currently, Al Shamsi anticipates significant growth in membership. “Maybe in five years, it reaches 5,000 – this is something I’m looking forward to,” he concluded.
Published on 1761332757 • Category: Business Relations
