- Your Excellency Alan Winde, Head of the Western Cape: “The Western Cape is committed to deepening and expanding trade relations with the UAE, particularly Dubai, as we build new bridges of opportunity between our regions..“
- Salem Al Shamsi: “South Africa has a leading economic position and strong growth potential, positioning it as an important strategic partner for Dubai's business community.“
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Dubai Chambers has explored ways to strengthen trade and investment flows with South Africa's Western Cape province during a recent meeting with His Excellency Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape. The meeting took place in South Africa with the participation of Salem Alshamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers.
HE Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape, commented: “The Western Cape is committed to deepening and expanding trade relations with the UAE, particularly Dubai, as we build new bridges of opportunity between our regions. Dubai's position as a global hub for finance, logistics, tourism and innovation aligns strongly with the Western Cape's vision for inclusive economic growth and job creation. The Western Cape offers huge potential for cooperation in areas such as political stability, a skilled workforce and a proven track record of investment success.
Salem Alshamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, reaffirmed Dubai Chambers' commitment to enhancing economic cooperation with businesses in the Western Cape and across South Africa. He highlighted the importance of exploring new opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, strengthening the competitiveness of companies and creating pathways for high-quality investments that advance the common interests of both markets.
Al Shamsi stressed the importance of developing bilateral trade relations and forming strategic partnerships between private sector companies, noting that these partnerships can support cooperation in key areas of mutual interest and open up new development opportunities. He said Dubai Chamber of Commerce's trade mission to South Africa, which includes a delegation of Dubai companies, reflects the importance of the South African market, which was Dubai's fifth largest trading partner in Africa last year.
Alshamsi concluded: “South Africa enjoys a leading economic position and has strong growth potential, positioning it as an important strategic partner for Dubai's business community. The Western Cape stands out as a dynamic economic hub with strengths in a number of priority sectors, particularly food trade. This meeting reflects a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation between our business communities, support lasting partnerships and pursue mutual trade and investment. Our business mission is to provide a platform for companies to connect with Dubai and “It also creates a platform to expand and take advantage of the high-quality opportunities offered by the Western Cape.”
During the meeting, Dubai Chambers showcased Dubai's integrated business environment and the opportunities it offers South African companies to expand into regional and global markets. The discussions also highlighted Dubai's important role in international trade, facilitating cross-border partnerships and enabling the local business community to benefit from economic opportunities around the world.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of Dubai Chamber of Commerce's trade mission to Cape Town, which forms part of the chamber's efforts to support the expansion of Dubai-based companies into South Africa. The mission aims to strengthen engagement with local partners, explore new areas for collaboration and identify development opportunities in key sectors.
About Dubai Chambers
Dubai Chambers is a non-profit public entity that supports Dubai's vision as a global player by empowering businesses, providing innovative value-added services and unlocking access to influential networks. In March 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the restructuring of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the formation of three chambers for the emirate, namely Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai International Chamber and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which now operate under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers.