By Mewati Sitaram
The World Trade Center Mumbai, along with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), hosted the International Trade Dialogue with Dubai, showcasing the Emirate’s unique business advantages and vast investment potential. The forum brought together senior trade officials, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for bilateral growth and cooperation.
Opening the dialogue, Ms. Priya Pansare, Director – Trade and Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai, lauded the UAE’s forward-thinking vision in fostering global partnerships and its strengthening ties with India.
The gathering saw the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC WTC India & President, AIAI; H.E. Mr. Abdulla Husein Almarzooqi, Consul General of the UAE in Mumbai; Mr. Bassel Bitar, Regional Representative – Asia & Eastern Europe, DMCC; Mr. Siddharth Shah, Head – DMCC IRO; Mr. Abhijitsinh Jadeja, Chief Representative – India, Dubai Chambers; and Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai.
Welcoming the UAE delegation, Dr. Kalantri hailed the nation as a reliable friend and strategic ally, pointing out that over 72,000 Indian companies are registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce—proof of Dubai’s investor-friendly environment and transparent procedures.
In his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Almarzooqi underscored the enduring India–UAE economic partnership, highlighting that bilateral trade exceeded USD 100 billion in FY25, propelled by the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He cited the UAE’s robust infrastructure, business-friendly tax policies, political stability, and security as key drivers for investment, stating, “Together, India and the UAE can shape the future of global trade.”
Delegates at the Trade Dialogue with Dubai at WTC Mumbai, fostering stronger bilateral trade ties.
Representing DMCC, Mr. Bassel Bitar outlined its role as a vibrant free zone and international trade hub, offering connectivity to 290 destinations worldwide, favourable residency options, and specialised industry ecosystems. He stressed DMCC’s attractiveness for global companies, start-ups, and entrepreneurs seeking strategic market access.
Adding to this, Mr. Siddharth Shah noted that about 4,000 Indian companies operate within DMCC, benefiting from cost-effective leases, regulatory ease, and tax incentives. He urged Indian enterprises to tap into Dubai’s position as a leading global re-export hub.
Mr. Abhijitsinh Jadeja further emphasised Dubai’s unmatched geographical advantage, connecting 2.5 billion people within four hours and five billion within eight hours of flight time. He encouraged Indian businesses to use Dubai as a launchpad for international expansion.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Capt. Somesh Batra, who praised the leadership of both nations and called for deeper collaboration in infrastructure, trade diversification, and knowledge-sharing, expressing confidence in the continued growth of India–UAE relations.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
