Enriching the business community

Pakistan Business Council (PBC), Dubai is a 14-year-old organisation operating under the aegis of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry that aims to promote commerce and trade between Pakistan and the UAE. It consists of a group of Pakistani businessmen residing in Dubai and Northern Emirates.
"One of our objectives is to educate and enlighten our members about the business opportunities existing between the two countries - Pakistan and the UAE - exchange ideas and form profitable partnerships," said Ahmed Shaikhani, President, Pakistan Business Council, Dubai.

Ahmed Shaikhani, President, Pakistan Business Council, Dubai
With more than 600 registered members representing over 3,000 business sectors in the emirate, PBC Dubai continues to be a platform that gathers economic contributors on common ground. "We also have a group of companies named Shaikhani Group with diversified businesses in real estate development, trading, rubber manufacturing and IT," Shaikhani added.
In terms of economic interaction, Pakistan is the second largest expatriate community that resides in the UAE with a population of 1.2 million.
"The Pakistan community has major stakes in the economic boom of the UAE. The volume of trade recorded between the two countries is valued at nine billon with vast potential to enhance trade and business relations between the two countries," he said.

Creating investment opportunities
PBC Dubai is active in various international exhibitions and platforms. At the recent Gulfood, which is one of the world's biggest food-related trade shows, Pakistan showcased its latest products, services and developments in food, manufacturing and technology categories. The country's pavilion joined 500 other exhibitors from 120 countries and displayed its specialities to 97,000 attendees from all over the world. "Trade exhibitions such as Gulfood, help countries connect with loyal customers from across the globe and share the latest technology integrated in various industries," Shaikhani said.
At a joint statement issued at the second investment conference hosted by the Pakistan Business Council in Dubai, Shaikhani had said: "The relationship between neighbouring countries is essential for a country's short-term and long-term economic policies and growth. No country has achieved targets by striving for a better relationship without peace. Pakistan is always keen to have a very good relationship with her neighbours and tries to strengthen the bond.
"We, at the Pakistan Business Council, are always here to support the relationship between the UAE and Pakistan. Our objective is to ease the work between two countries and provide facilities to businessmen of the two nations. The potential of investment opportunities in both the countries are endless. We urge investors to participate and contact us whenever they need support, information or guidance in this regard."
He was joined by H.E. Governor of Sindh Muhammad Zubair and Minister of State for Investment Naeem Zamindar at the event.

Future plans
Looking ahead, PBC Dubai plans to organise and collaborate in international exhibitions in both Pakistan and the UAE. It further aims to coordinate with the consulate and other business councils to promote business and relations between the two countries.
Possessing years of experience as the President of the Pakistan Business Council in 2016 as well as a member of the Board of Directors, Shaikhani aims to lead PBC Dubai towards greater frontiers. "We have a strong team of qualified Board of Directors, who are always available to assist and guide the Pakistan business community in the UAE," he added.

-  farhana@khaleejtimes.com

[Building bridges]
Recently, the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) held the second investment conference at the Steigenberger Hotel in Business Bay. The event featured Mohammed Zubair, the Governor of Sindh, as the Chief Guest and Naeem Zamindar, Minister of the State, Chairman of Board of Investment.
"Indeed the relations between neighbouring countries are essential for the country's short-term and long-term economic policies and growth. No country can achieve targets without having better relationship and peace. Pakistan is always keen to have very good relations with its neighbours and always tries to strengthen the relationship. We, from Pakistan Business Council, are always supporting the relationship between the UAE and Pakistan. Our objective is to ease work relationships between the two countries and always try to provide facilities to businessmen from the two nations. The potential of investment opportunities in both the countries are endless. We urge investors to participate and contact us as and when they need support, information or guidance in this regard," says Ahmed Shaikhani, President, Pakistan Business Council Dubai.

[Stressing on efficiency]
PBC Dubai recently organised an event about Time Management that featured guest speaker Ali Abdel Gafar, from Elite Estate Private Limited, and Chief Guest Dr. Rashid Alleem, Chairman of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, as a keynote speaker. More than 100 Pakistani business owners and entrepreneurs in and around the UAE attended the event held at Roda Al Murooj Hotel. EIGHTEEN, a luxury Living Development in Islamabad, sponsored this event.
[Become a PBC member]
Those interested can apply for membership via the online form on the PBC official website www.pbcdubai.ae, or contact Ms. Ellanie, office manager, on officemanager@pbcdubai.ae for further assistance.
Membership categories
Category A: Dubai-based Pakistani Corporate Business Membership Membership in this category is open to Pakistani businesses registered in Dubai, either independently or in affiliation with a UAE National or with a UAE Corporate body.
Category B: Dubai-based Pakistani Individual Membership Membership in this category is open to all Pakistani nationals who are working in Dubai, except individuals that qualify as the representative of Dubai based Pakistani Corporate Member.