The Ties That Bind

The boundaries of seven Emirates haze beneath the shifting sands of time and space. Characterised by its geographically strategic location and its trading roots, this vast empire has mesmerised travellers and traders since time immemorial and now investors and businessmen alike...

From up above, the coast gives the impression of being a jagged stratum of breakers along a golden shoreline — to the west a labyrinth of reefs and islands laze around in lustrous waters, to the east a Spartan terrain of dunes and sand bars circumscribed only by the stark knolls. This realm and its inhabitants have been wrought by these compelling forces — the desert, the mountains, and the sea. This high up, the mechanisms of men are but a play of light and shadow — a chimerical chiaroscuro against the perpetuity of the topography. But step closer and they begin to have a more imposing assortment - six-lane highways with a torrent of automobiles, pipe dream cities of ivory and crystal glass, rising like apparitions out of the waves.
From being a trading empire to becoming a trading hub, the United Arab Emirates consists of the capital Abu Dhabi, the commercial hub; Dubai, the bustling town of Sharjah, the rustic Umm al-Qawain, the slow paced, relaxing Ajman, the Northernmost Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah and the port town of Fujairah.
The United Arab Emirates’ established character as a focal point for trade, both in terms of importing and exporting, as well as functioning as a base and a pivot point for trading facilities and activities, were well reputed preceding the unearthing of oil. Arab merchants, trading dhows, and camel trains are a fundamental component of its history and legends. The ways and means of conducting business may look as if they have been tainted noticeably when evaluated in comparison with their ancient roots. In reality the basic values linger, in that personal dealings are imperative as a foundation for constructing reciprocated faith, and verbal covenants or handshakes perform a vital role in negotiations. It is against this solid background that the United Arab Emirates continues to reach out to new communities, businesses and individuals, in a quest not only to trade, but also to foster links of comradeship and belief that have enduring worth. In this sense, trade in the United Arab Emirates is not merely a manner of commerce but is an essential and treasured element of daily life.
India has always been a part of this link and scheme of things. The eminent trade relations between the United Arab Emirates and India go back numerous centuries. These well-built mutual trading connections have been maturing gracefully during the last few decades and facilitated in making the two countries "Partners in Prosperity". Thus leading up to The Third UAE Trade Exhibition in India 2005, uniquely initiated by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Jafza-Dubai Business Hub and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), it intents to progressively augment the UAE-Indo trade and economic relations through offering prospects for operational companies in the UAE to showcase their products and services in India, which is considered as one of the biggest consumption markets in the world. It is the ideal occasion for trading corporations, entrepreneurs and investors to make the most of business opportunities presented to them in India. The event also works as a channel for extensive escalation of Indian investments in the UAE, especially in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Sector where Indian capital and technology contribute considerably.
Mentioning businesses in United Arab Emirates and not speaking of the free trade zones and their place in the scheme of things is like leaving out a vital part of UAE. These have also imparted a noteworthy thrust for trade in the UAE. Jebel Ali was the first free zone and commenced in the mid-eighties and was an instantaneous success. Since then, free zones have come up all across the UAE.
The Internet may be spearheading a global communications revolution; fashion designers may embrace "ethnic" hues and styles; restaurants may spread their food chains across the globe. Beyond the front pages, UAE-Indo trade is an actuality that touches our lives in ways most of us never stop to think about. Increased international trade has made us wealthier and allowed us to lead more diverse lifestyles.
Bilateral trade relations like those between UAE and India, have been forged in the sands of time and carved in stone. With each passing phase, ties strengthen and alliances become the writing on the wall that will tell tales of economies that flourished because they co-existed, grew, lived and learned from and with each other.


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