A business delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), led by HE Mr Abdulnasser Al Shaali, the Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, visited Estonia on the 10th of May to meet with the members of the UAE-Estonia Business Council, representatives from leading Estonian companies, ministries and state institutions to solidify business relations between the countries and discuss future cooperation opportunities.
During the business forum held at the Hilton Tallinn Park Hotel the CEO of Estonian Business and Innovation Agency Mr Lauri Lugna said that “After the opening of the Estonian Embassy in UAE and Estonia’s participation in EXPO2020, UAE Business Council comes as the next logical step forward in developing business relations and supporting Estonian companies looking to trade in UAE.” In his keynote at the same event, HE Abdulnasser Al Shaali also emphasised how important continuous cooperation between the two countries is.
The business forum also witnessed the signing of the founding document for the UAE-Estonia Business Council by co-chairmen Mr Hando Sutter & Mr Salem AlShamsi as well as the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce by Mr Mait Palts, President of Estonian Chamber & Mr Humaid bin Salem, Secretary-General of ICC, UAE.
The rest of the day was filled with fruitful workshops and meetings related to foreign affairs, investment, AI & IT, DFF (Dubai Future Foundation), FINTECH, logistics & ports, energy, education, food & environment and JAFZA.
After all the formal business and networking was done, the delegation along with their Estonian hosts headed to A. Le Coq arena to have a friendly football match. After some pointers from the legendary Estonian goalkeeper Mart Poom, the game kicked off! Playing along-side with HE Mr Abdulnasser Al Shaali were members from Estonian ministries, ITC cluster and representatives from the newly formed Business Council. A thrilling match concluded with friendly handshakes all around.
The eventful day ended with the first official UAE-Estonia Business Council meeting at Hotel Telegraaf where the Estonian minister of Entrepreneurship and IT Mr Andres Sutt joined the delegation. The evening concluded with a lovely dinner in Tallinn Old Town.
Before heading back to the United Arab Emirates part of the delegation including HE Mr Abdulnasser Al Shaali and Mr Salem AlShamsi along with Mr Lauri Lugna, Ms Hele Karilaid and Mrs Ege Devon met with the Prime Minister of Estonia Mrs Kaja Kallas.
The visit was organized by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency in cooperation with the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Estonian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
