Address by External Affairs Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee to the gathering of leading businessmen in dubai

May 13, 2008

Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble External Affairs Minister will be visiting the United Arab Emirates during 12th to 14th May 2008. During the visit, the External Affairs Minister is to meet the leadership of the United Arab Emirates and also address the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR). He will be also meeting Emirati and Indian businessmen, and addressing them in Dubai.

India and UAE have close friendly deep-rooted and multifaceted ties. India and UAE bilateral trade was around 20.5 billion dollars in 2006-07 with Indian exports being US$ 12 billion and Imports US $ 8.6 billion. There are several Indian public and private sector companies working in the UAE. Several UAE companies are present in India and have invested in the infrastructure sector. Around 1.5 million Indians live and work in the UAE. The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and provide an opportunity to exchange views at a high level.

New Delhi May 9, 2008