Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade and Industry Affairs, has discussed with the Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca, economic and investment relations, on the sidelines of the Emirati-Cuban Business Forum.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort, Dubai.

The two sides discussed ways to establish the economic and investment ties. Al Saleh stressed keenness of the UAE government to strengthen economic and investment ties with different countries, citing that Cuba is a fertile land for investments given host of opportunities available for the UAE private sector there.

He also said that both governments have to promote an investment atmosphere for the private sector through agreements to protect and encourage investment and avoidance of double taxation.

Al Saleh stressed the importance of opening air bridges to enable businesspersons, tourists and cargo flow between the two countries.

The Cuban minister commended the progress of the UAE economy and the vision of the government to transform the state into a vital economic hub in the region. He urged the Emirati private sector to invest in his country, and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral economic relations.

The meeting was attended by Badr Abdullah Al Matrooshi, Enrique Enriquez, Cuban Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Juma Mohammed Al Ket, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Trade Affairs and other senior officials.