DIFC receives the Chief Minister of Punjab

The Chief Minister of Punjab, HE Shahbaz Sharif visited the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), and met with HE Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of the DIFC, and Abdullah Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of DIFC Authority, and Dr Nasser Saidi, Chief Economist and Head of External Affairs of DIFC Authority. HE Al Tayer gave a detailed presentation on the Dubai Economic Model which was built on the philosophy of providing a business-friendly environment. He listed the growth drivers of the Dubai economy and highlighted the role of government spending on infrastructure, the successful clustering of sectors by establishing specialised free zones, as well as focusing on the services sector in an effort to diversify the economy.

The above growth drivers are perfectly complemented by the Dubai government's regulatory regime and openness of the economy. He particularly emphasised the role of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose dynamic vision and wise leadership allowed Dubai to achieve its present status as a regional trade and services corridor.

The Chief Minister appreciated the vision of High Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the progress of Dubai. He said Pakistan and the UAE need to determine complementarities and strengths to create successful and strong bilateral ties across all sectors. The Governor encouraged Pakistani businesses to utilise the unique standing of the DIFC and use Dubai as a gateway to reach the opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa region.

His Excellency Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of DIFC said: "We are honoured to welcome the Chief Minister of Punjab, His Excellency Shahbaz Sharif to the DIFC. Today, the DIFC with its strategic location, access and connectivity to the region and with the rest of the world, its existing modern infrastructure, free zone status, multi-cultural financial community, and self-governing laws and courts, plays an important role as an integral contributor to the UAE's economy. This visit will further enhance the already strong bilateral ties shared by the UAE and Pakistan, and we look forward to the business opportunities that it will generate".