Colombia Focuses on Success of Dubai’s Retail Sector

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry received a high profile delegation of businessmen from Colombia as part of efforts to enhance trade and investment ties between Dubai and Latin America. Fifteen businessmen from the Federación Nacional de Comerciantes – FENALCO (National Federation of Merchants) visited Dubai Chamber to discuss potential opportunities in Dubai’s retail sector. The delegation was received by Mr. Atiq Juma Nassib, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, who stressed the importance of enhancing relations between Colombia and Latin America, which Dubai Chamber has singled out as a promising market for its members.

Mr. Nassib said: “Last year Colombia ranked 135th on Dubai’s trade partner list, with non-oil trade for the first 10 months’ worth AED 119.6 million. We would like to see these figures improve and think that through increased cooperation we can enhance trade and investment. “One area that FENALCO highlighted was Dubai’s retail sector, which is forecast to see strong sales growth over the next few years due to increasing household consumption, the growing acceptance of modern retailing concepts and expatriate wealth,” he said. “FENALCO’s interest in Dubai retail sector demonstrates the city’s excellent reputation as a major international shopping destination,” Mr. Nassib said. He added that Dubai Chamber would support Colombian businesses who were looking to expand into the emirates.

Mrs. Marlen Corredor, FENALCO Manager, said that Dubai has a global reputation in terms of retail and that Colombian companies could benefit from its experience in this field. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Mohideen Binhendi, Chairman of the Retail Business Group, which is one of 26 such groups under umbrella of Dubai Chamber. He gave an introduction to the recently-formed group and an industry overview, saying that the partnership in Dubai between the private and public sectors was the main reason behind its success.