Dubai-Mozambique forum spotlights investment and trade opportunities

The Dubai-Mozambique Business Forum took place on Thursday at Dubai Chambers Headquarters, ushering in a new era of mutually beneficial trade and economic ties.

Organised by Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, in partnership with the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Muslim Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Mozambique (AMEEM), the forum saw participation of more than 160 delegates including over 50 companies from Mozambique. Absa Bank sponsored the forum.

The three-day Mozambique Trade Mission from May 2-4 presented an opportunity for leading players in Mozambique’s business arena to update interested Dubai-based private sector businesses and investors on current and upcoming opportunities. A total of over 50 bilateral meetings were conducted which allowed forum delegates to briefly explore potential business synergies.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai International Chamber, said: “The mission and the forum have been a great success. We organised the Trade Mission to attract Mozambican companies, investors, and high net worth individuals to Dubai, as well as to identify investment opportunities for Dubai-based companies in Mozambique, especially in Agribusiness, Energy (including Oil & Gas), and Logistics. I firmly believe we have achieved these goals and see a bright future in terms of new bilateral deals, partnerships, and investment.”

During the Mission, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers and Imraan Husein, President of AMEEM signed an MoU to organise and promote joint activities, leverage the Chambers’ platform to create awareness of the guidelines to become a resident in Dubai, and facilitate networking opportunities with Dubai businesses.

As well as distinguished members of Mozambique Chamber of Commerce, the Trade Mission welcomed representatives of AMEEM, the Association of Muslim Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Mozambique, along with APIEX, The Agency for Investments and Exports Promotion of Mozambique and Moz Parks, the institution representing Mozambique’s Free Zones.

Delegates represented Mozambique’s agribusiness, energy, oil & gas, logistics, trade, construction, tourism and ICT sectors.

Delivering a keynote speech to the business forum, Ms Yolanda Fernandes, Vice President of Mozambique Chamber of Commerce said: ““We are proud to have created a space that inspired new partnerships and unlocked fresh opportunities for growth and development. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all our attendees, sponsors, and partners and look forward to continuing to build upon this momentum in the future.”

For his part, Nuno Maposse. Deputy General Director of the Agency of Investments and Exports Promotion said: “The forum provided us with an excellent opportunity to showcase our investment opportunities since the UAE is one of the primary sources of FDI to Mozambique and last year was the number one foreign investor. The Business Matching support was the cherry on top of the cake. We had great meetings and leads to follow up when we return home”.

There was also a chance to better understand Mozambique’s growing economy, in a forum presentation from Absa Bank, followed by an explanation of DP World’s Supply Chain Solutions for sub-Saharan Africa.

The Mozambican delegation also visited Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai CommerCity. The group also enjoyed a visit to the Museum of the Future and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.

Dubai International Chamber one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, was established to promote Dubai as a global business hub, attract multinational companies and expand the emirate’s trade ties with promising markets. The Chamber has a mandate to meet His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s ambition to increase Dubai’s foreign trade from Dhs1.4 trillion to Dhs2 trillion by 2026.