The Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Indian Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates have joined forces to explore avenues for enhanced economic cooperation. This collaborative effort comes amidst a thriving Indian business presence in Ajman, with a membership count exceeding 9, 549 in the ACCI as of 2023.
A recent meeting between Salem Al Suwaidi, Director General of ACCI, and Satish Sivan, the Indian Consul General, underscored the mutual desire to strengthen economic ties. The discussions revolved around identifying and capitalizing on promising investment opportunities, fostering trade links, and forging partnerships across various sectors.
A particular focus was placed on the potential for collaboration in the education and healthcare domains. Ajman aspires to bolster these sectors, and Indian expertise holds immense promise in this regard. Both parties acknowledged the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a significant factor underpinning the UAE-India economic relationship. This agreement, operational since May 2022, has streamlined trade processes and facilitated the movement of goods between the two nations.
The burgeoning trade figures paint a positive picture. Exports from Ajman to India witnessed an 11% increase in 2022 compared to the previous year. Similarly, re-exports from Ajman to India saw an 18% jump during the same period. The ACCI highlighted Ajman's strategic location and its well-developed infrastructure as key advantages for Indian businesses seeking a foothold in the region.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of fostering direct communication channels between business communities in both countries. The possibility of organizing specialized forums and events was explored, with a view to fostering knowledge exchange, showcasing investment opportunities, and facilitating business networking. This collaborative approach is expected to unlock new avenues for growth and propel economic activity between Ajman and India.