On May 22, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a conference "Export to the UAE and the Persian Gulf. Dubai: opportunities for Moscow’s companies"
The Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Dubai, Mr. Omar Khan, stated in his speech that companies, which conduct business in the UAE, have access to 4 billion people around the world, since the Emirates are the largest re-export center. In 2020, Dubai will host the Expo and by this time, the plans are to increase the flow of tourists to 20 million. This year, entry visas to the Emirates for Russians were abolished, which greatly simplifies and reduces the cost of business contacts. Already the tourist flow to this country has already grown by 54 percent. Meanwhile, the Russian side has not yet adopted any reciprocal measures concerning the UAE citizens. "We hope for the assistance of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and Moscow, as well as the Moscow Government in promoting this important decision", Omar Khan said. In addition, the representative of the UAE reported important news for executives: by the end of this year, it is planned to allow the registration of companies outside free economic zones with 100% participation of foreign founders. This gives an opportunity, including to Russian firms, to participate in transactions with state-owned companies and participate in purchases and trades.
The Head of the export support of the Department of Science, Industrial Policy and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Vadim Tymchik, told the Conference participants what instruments of support the Moscow Government uses to help regional entrepreneurs enter the international markets. He noted that Moscow and the United Arab Emirates, and, in particular, Dubai, have long-standing economic relations. Back in 1990, an intergovernmental agreement on trade, economic and technical cooperation was signed, and in 1994, an agreement was signed with the Russian Federation Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates. To the UAE Russia exports precious metals and gemstones, non-ferrous metals, products from ferrous metals and copper, vehicles, timber, paper, cardboard, etc. From the Emirates, Russia imports boats, furniture, lighting equipment, etc. Wherein a large portion of these goods is re-exported. At the moment, more than 40 representative offices of major Russian companies are registered in the Emirates, including Rosneft, Lukoil, Alrosa, etc., as well as more than 400 joint ventures, operating in the fields of trade, hotel business, real estate.
The Director General of the ANO "Moscow Export Center", Mr. Kirill Ilyichev, outlined the main activities of the ITC. In particular, he spoke about the promotion of Moscow manufacturers within the framework of the "Made in Moscow" program. The speaker noted that in January, Dubai hosted an exhibition of medical products and services of Arab Health, in which Moscow companies successfully took part. Preparations for participation of the capital’s entrepreneurs in a number of exhibitions are being arranged. Mr. Ilyichev described the opportunities for companies to advance on e-commerce sites, particularly Alibaba, the largest market place there.
The Chairman of the MCCI’s Commission for Foreign Economic Cooperation with the UAE, Mr. Alexei Busev, subsequent to a detailed review, acquainted the audience with the algorithm for entering the market of the Emirates. Since the speaker has lived and worked in the country for many years, he gave practical advice on what nuances of the market must be taken into account. "For each product you can find a niche," he is sure, "one just needs to carefully study the local specifics." It is also important to take into account the system of personal priorities of the inhabitants of this country, which differs markedly from ours.
The Director for the Development of International Business of the InfoWatch Group of Companies, Mr. Vladimir Shutemov, shared his experience of work of a Russian company in the market of the Emirates.
The conference participants had the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and get advice on the issues regarding entering the UAE market.
In addition, the Vice-President of the MCCI, Mr. Suren Vardanyan, invited all parties, interested in doing business in this promising country to apply to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During the year, two business missions are planned: one for the Emirates, and the second (reciprocal) - for Moscow. "If you have a specific interest in scaling your business to enter this market, we are ready to prepare B2B meetings for you with the companies that interest you. Now, with the Emirates, predominantly large companies interact, but I do not see any serious obstacles for SMEs to enter that market ", Mr. Vardanyan said.
The event was held with the support of the Government of Moscow and the Department of Economic Policy and Development of the city.