Makati, Dubai officials forge ties

In a bid to expand its global reach and boost economic potential, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay recently met with officials of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss economic and socio-cultural cooperation for the development for the two cities.

Binay’s trip was arranged by officials of the Philippine Embassy and the Dubai municipality. He was joined by Makati Rep. Agapito "Butz" Aquino and Pablo Glean, head of Makati’s Business Permits Division.

The group’s itinerary included courtesy calls on Mohammad Ali Al-Abar, head of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development; Mohammed Al-Gergawi, head of the Dubai Internet and Media City; Sultan Bin Sulayem, chairman and managing director of the Dubao Ports Authority; Hussein Al-Lootah, CEO of Dubai Shopping Festival 2002; Abdul Rahman Al-Mutaiwee of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Qassim Sultan Al-Banna, Director-General of Dubai.

The delegation also visited the Dubai Traffic Systems Control Center as well as the Customer Service Center at Dubai Municipal Hall.

"We have much in common, and much to learn from one another," Binay said after the numerous briefings and exchange of information.

Dubai is acknowledged as the financial and trading center in the Middle East and North Africa, while Makati is the financial and business capital of the Philippines.

The meetings were aimed at exploring possible bilateral relations in the fields of business, information technology, tourism, cultural exchange, and governance.

It was noted that there was little trade between the Philippines and UAE, which has a migrant population of over 150,000 overseas Filipino workers.

Binay said that he will be meeting with the Makati businessmen to present business opportunities in Dubai.

The trip to Dubai was seen as the first step towards the forging of a sister-city agreement between Makati and Dubai.

In his meeting with the Dubai Director-General, Binay personally conveyed an invitation to the Dubai officials for a reciprocal visit to Makati in early June.