Dubai
FBCCI to set up trade centre in Dubai
The country's apex trade body Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) will set up a trade centre in Dubai to further boost business and investment between Bangladesh and the UAE.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bangladesh Business Council (BBC) of Dubai and the FBCCI in the Gulf city on Friday.
According to the agreement, BBC-Dubai will co-operate in setting up the FBCCI trade center in Dubai.
The FBCCI will undertake activities of coordinating and promoting trade and investment and commerce between Bangladesh and the UAE.
READ: Expo 2020: FBCCI, Dubai International Chamber to sign MoU
The FBCCI trade centre will work to strengthen business relations with other countries by using Dubai as a hub. The trade centre will provide various assistance to UAE businessmen interested in investing in Bangladesh, according to a press release.
President of FBCCI Md Jashim Uddin and founder president of BBC-Dubai Mohamed Mahtabur Rahman signed the MoU on behalf of the two trade bodies, respectively.
BSEC chairman Prof Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam was present as the chief guest at the MoU signing ceremony.
READ: FBCCI urges govt to lift VAT on edible oil import
Among others, FBCCI senior vice president Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu and vice president Md Habib Ullah Dawn were present on the occasion.
FBCCI to establish UAE -Bangladesh Joint Council in Dubai
The Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) is going to establish UAE- Bangladesh Joint Business Council in Dubai to tap the business and investment potentials in the Middle East countries, Africa and Europe.
The Business council will be inaugurated during the visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to Dubai next month.
The council will be co-chaired by the president of the FBCCI and the Chairman of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Read: BB relaxes ICRRS to facilitate businesses’ loan
A preparatory meeting held at FBCCI on Saturday ahead of the launch of the business council disclosed this information.
At the meeting, FBCCI President Md. Jashim Uddin said that the establishment of the Business Council with the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry would make it easier to capture the export market of the Middle East and Africa.
Jashim Uddin said this initiative of FBCCI will create an opportunity to explore new markets for Bangladesh in the Post-LDC period.
Read FBCCI: Tourism must grow enabling Bangladesh to achieve SDGs
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, president of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) recommended that five sectors be included in the FBCCI's presentation at the opening ceremony of the council.
The sectors include agricultural and halal food products, light engineering especially car parts, financial sector, petrochemical, and port management.
Syed Muntasir Mamun, DG of the International Trade and Investment wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended seeking UAE investment in ICT, ITES, artificial intelligence, private equity, aviation, shipping, and value-added agro services.
Read Any rise in power, gas tariff to be suicidal: FBCCI
FBCCI Director Abul Kasem Khan highlighted the potential for investment in the tourism hospitality sector and in the private port sector. He also demanded that Bangladeshis be given the opportunity to invest in Dubai.
CPD's research director and FBCCI's panel advisor Dr. Khandaker Golam Moazzem said the UAE is currently looking for a global strategic partner for development.
As part of that, the country has recently signed a free trade agreement with India. Bangladesh should also do FTA with UAE, he added.
Read: BRAC continues emergency services for Rohingyas, locals amid Covid-19 pandemic: BRAC Global ED
Channel I Head of News and FBCCI's panel advisor, Shykh Siraj said there is a huge demand for Bangladeshi vegetables and seeds in the UAE.
To take advantage of this potential, joint initiatives can be taken in the field of nursery and food processing, he added.
He said that the two countries should also work together to train skilled manpower and halal food certificates.
Read FBCCI President urges Canadian companies to invest in Bangladesh’s waste management
The other FBCCI panel advisor and BIDS senior research fellow, Dr. Kazi Iqbal said the Joint Business Council should be used to develop the image of Bangladesh as the growth narrative of Bangladesh has changed in the last few years.
The development of Bangladesh is no longer dependent only on readymade garments and remittances, he said.
He mentioned that the country has created opportunities for foreign investment in numerous sectors including electronics and plastics.
Read Self-reliance in seed production essential for food security: FBCCI
He stressed the need to present Bangladesh properly by informing the global entrepreneurs about these issues.
Also present at the meeting were FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice President Md. Habib Ullah Dawn, M.A. Razzak Khan Raj, Director Syed Almas Kabir, Dr. Nadia Binte Amin, DCCI President Rizwan Rahman, BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed, and Secretary-General of FBCCI Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque.
India’s tourism gets a huge push at Expo 2020 Dubai
India’s Tourism Fortnight at EXPO2020 Dubai concluded yesterday with the sector highlighting the country’s core strengths across different areas of tourism including medical, luxury, adventure, sustainability and MICE, reports Gulf News.
Inaugurated on January 3 by Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the inaugural session highlighted the new policy framework by the Ministry of Tourism and unveiled five missions that will boost growth in the sector. The Tourism Sector Floor at the India Pavilion showcased the various facets highlighting India as a tourism destination and the growth potential across different kinds of tourism.
Read: India reports 258,089 new COVID-19 cases
The five missions included were National Green Tourism Mission, to mainstream sustainability in the tourism sector; National Digital Tourism Mission, to digitalise the sector; Sectoral Mission on skill development to ensure that the country has the best trained and qualified manpower to maintain high standards of service; National Mission on Destination Management to focus on ensuring synergy and coordination amongst public and private stakeholders and National Mission on Tourism MSMEs to support and facilitate the start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises.
The inaugural session was also attended by Hoor Al Khaja, Associate Vice President, International Operations – Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai, where she talked about India’s importance as a global tourist destination.
The Tourism Fortnight comprised various sessions which were presided over by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and various Indian states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir among others.
Medical tourism
The session on medical tourism was crucial in highlighting India’s strengths and the ability of the country to offer both modern and traditional systems of medicines, thereby, providing a holistic healing destination across the world.
The session on luxury tourism focused on showcasing the changing face of luxury tourism in India, luxury tourist destinations across the country and initiatives taken by the Government to make travel safe and secure.
The session on spiritual tourism highlighted the opportunities and potential for India to become a hub for spiritual and religious tourism, as the country offers vast cultural and religious diversity.
The session on MICE tourism was also pivotal in showcasing India’s impressive combination of accommodation and conference support facilities that make the country a successful MICE destination globally.
Read: India extends ban on political rallies till Jan 22
As a part of World Majlis event, Off the Beaten Path - Travel in the 21st Century, held on January 13, Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, talked about the ways in which the tourism sector in India is evolving.
Given the growing importance of sustainable tourism, the session on sustainable tourism was crucial to address key challenges for the tourism sector and the ways in which the future of tourism can be shaped by sustainable and responsible policies and action by the governments and private sector.
The sessions held during the ‘Tourism Fortnight’ were crucial in showcasing India’s geographical diversity, potential as a tourist destination and highlighting India’s roadmap for the sector.
Djokovic arrives in Dubai after deportation from Australia
Novak Djokovic arrived early Monday in Dubai after his deportation from Australia over its required COVID-19 vaccination ended the No. 1-ranked men's tennis player's hopes of defending his Australian Open title.
The Emirates plane carrying Djokovic touched down after a 13 1/2-hour flight from Melbourne, where he had argued in court he should be allowed to stay in the country and compete in the tournament under a medical exemption due to a coronavirus infection last month.
Read: Tennis star Djokovic loses deportation appeal in Australia
Dubai International Airport was quiet early Monday morning as flights from the Australia and Asia began to arrive. Passengers wearing mandatory face masks collected their bags and walked out of the cavernous terminal. The first Muslim call to prayers before the sunrise echoed over the terminal.
It wasn't immediately clear where Djokovic planned to travel next. The Dubai Duty Free tennis tournament, which Djokovic won in 2020, doesn't start until Feb. 14.
Dubai, the commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates, doesn't require travelers to be vaccinated, though they must show a negative PCR test to board a flight.
Djokovic had won nine Australian Open titles, including three in a row, and a total of 20 Grand Slam singles trophies, tied with rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most in the history of men’s tennis. Federer is not playing while recovering from injury, and Nadal is the only former Australian Open men's champion in the tournament that began Monday.
Djokovic’s visa was initially canceled on Jan. 6 by a border official who decided he didn’t qualify for a medical exemption from Australia’s rules for unvaccinated visitors. He was exempted from the tournament’s vaccine rules because he had been infected with the virus within the previous six months.
He won an appeal to stay for the tournament, but Australia's immigration minister later revoked his visa. Three Federal Court judges decided unanimously Sunday to affirm the immigration minister’s right to cancel Djokovic’s visa.
Read: Double-fault: Visa revoked again, Djokovic faces deportation
Vaccination amid the pandemic was a requirement for anyone at the Australian Open, whether players, their coaches or anyone at the tournament site. More than 95% of all Top 100 men and women in their tours’ respective rankings are vaccinated. At least two men — American Tennys Sandgren and Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert — skipped the first major tournament of the year due to the vaccine requirement.
Djokovic's attempt to get the medical exemption for not being vaccinated sparked anger in Australia, where strict lockdowns in cities and curbs on international travel have been employed to try to control the spread of the coronavirus since the pandemic began.
4 held with 11 kg gold at Sylhet airport
Customs officials detained four people along with 11 kgs of gold at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Monday.
The detainees are Makbul Ali, son of Abdul Ahad, Bashir Uddin, son of Mantaz Ali, Sultan Ahmed, son of Najim Uddin of Kanaighat upazila and Sheikh Mohammad Zahid of Nabiganj upazila.
Read: Gold worth Tk 2.5 crore seized in Chuadanga
Al Amin, deputy commissioner of Sylhet Customs, said a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines BG-248 landed at the airport around 9 am from Dubai.
Tipped off, a team of customs officials challenged four passengers of the flight and recovered the gold worth Tk 7 crore from their luggage.
The gold was brought tactfully concealing in iron machines and juicers after melting it, said Al Amin.
T20WC Final: Australia bowl first in quest for maiden title
Australia have won the toss and opted to bowl first against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2021 final in Dubai on Sunday.
It is only the second time Australia marched to the final of the T20 World Cup while it’s the first final appearance for New Zealand.
Read:ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Final: Which Players would make it to an Australia-New Zealand Combined T20I XI?
The two neighbouring countries have previously faced each other in the final of the World Cup 2015 when Australia outplayed New Zealand with nearly no resistance from the Blackcaps.
To qualify for the final, New Zealand beat England, and Australia won against Pakistan riding on late surges to win almost identical thrilling encounters.
In most of the matches of this World Cup which has taken place in Dubai, the team who fielded first came up victorious (11 out of 12).
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Adam Zampa were the best players for Australia during the Super 12s and semifinal stages while Martin Guptill, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi helped New Zealand to march to their first T20 World Cup final.
Read:T20 World Cup: Finalists eye maiden title in shortest format
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson(c), Tim Seifert(w), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Over 50 Indian IT companies showcase products at Dubai trade show
Over 50 Indian electronics and computer software companies are showcasing their products and services at Gitex Global, the annual trade show, exhibition and conference.
Gitex Global, dubbed as the world's biggest technology show, is being organised from October 17 to 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
“Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) has been facilitating regular Indian participation at Gites to take advantage of the booming IT market in the Gulf,” said Kamal Vachani, Regional Director, Middle East at ESC.
Gitex is continuing to emerge as the largest and the most impressive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) event of its kind in the Middle East.
“India has a great stake in the booming Middle East, Africa, Asia (WANA Region) and European markets for which Dubai is the Gateway.
READ: Dubai's Expo 2020 reveals 3 worker deaths from COVID-19
“Thus, the event provides the participating Indian ICT companies opportunities for scouting the expanding Middle East market,” said Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director at ESC.
The ESC has been participating at the Gites consistently for several years and the participating Indian companies under its banner have reported bagging significant businesses, forged joint ventures, marketing tie ups among othes with the buyers visiting the exhibition.
The Middle East was the top export destination for electronics during 2019-20 with an estimated value of USD 3 billion.
Among the countries in the region, the UAE is the top destination for India's electronics export, says Sandeep Narula, Chairman of ESC.
READ: Biman to run additional flights to Dubai Wednesday
India's total export of electronics hardware during 2020-21 is estimated to be USD 11 billion and that of computer software and services is estimated to be USD 146 billion.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of UNB.
OPPO kicks off campaign “Dream to the World Cup, Buy OPPO & Win Trip to Dubai”
Leading global smart device brand OPPO has recently come up with a campaign to give the users and fans the opportunity to go to Dubai for watching the world cup live as ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is just round the corner.
To add more fun to T20 World Cup excitement, OPPO has kicked off the campaign tilted “Dream to the World Cup, Buy OPPO & Win Trip to Dubai” where the smartphone users can participate and be the lucky winner who will be awarded a trip to Dubai with convenience of watching the final match of T20 world cup live from the stadium.
The campaign has begun on 7 October and will continue till 17 October 2021. Any buyer who will purchase any of these three OPPO smartphones - OPPO F19 Pro, OPPO F19, OPPO Reno5 – will be considered eligible for lottery during this period. Lucky winners will be selected through lottery who will get the opportunity to visit Dubai and enjoy T20 World Cup live.
Read: Oppo steps up efforts to make user experience safer, more secure
To participate in the campaign, after buying OPPO F19, F19 Pro or Reno5 from online shop or any retail shop, customers will have to give the name, phone number, IMEI, and other details in lottery system link through OPPO shop or by themselves by visiting this link - https://oppobangladesh.com/lottery/. OPPO will declare the name of the winners immediately after the end of this campaign through Live Lottery System.
Even if you don’t win the chance to visit Dubai for watching the final match, there will something rewarding for every buyer. Customers using GP, Banglalink, Robi and Airtel will win up-to 20 GB data bundle offer as sure gifts after buying any of these phones.
It is mentionable that OPPO F19 Pro is a flagship killer phone with Dual-View Video & AI Color Portrait Video, new crystal silver design with Reno Glow Effect, 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0 and Game Focus Mode. A combination of hardware performance and software capability has made F19 Pro an unparalleled contender in the market.
Read: 5G: Oppo teams up with Ericson to launch updated communication lab
On the other hand, OPPO Reno5 comes with a 64MP quad rear camera that boasts remarkable AI Mixed Portrait and Dual-View video. The Reno5 is an icon for trendsetters and trailblazers for its amazing color and meticulous craftsmanship. Powered by 8nm Snapdragon 720G chipset, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage and 90Hz refresh rate, this phone delivers a smoother performance and has everything to enhance the lifestyle experience of the youth.
Mustafizur departs for Dubai to play IPL
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman left for Dubai early on Tuesday morning to play the remaining leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The left-arm pacer is representing Rajasthan Royals in this year’s multi-million dollar cricketing tournament.
Read:Nasum, Mustafiz take four each as NZ tumble for 93
Mustafizur was scheduled to depart for Dubai on Sunday night but due to some visa issues, he had to wait for one more day. His wife will accompany him during the IPL.
This year's IPL was deferred due to the Covid-19 outbreak in the players' bio-bubble, following which both Mustafizur and Shakib Al Hasan had to return home on a chartered flight.
Mustafizur has played seven matches so far in this year’s IPL and bagged eight wickets with the best figures of three wickets for 20 runs.
Of the seven matches they have played, Rajasthan won three, and they will start the remainder of the league being at five on the points table. Delhi Capitals are leading the table with 12 points from six wins in eight matches.
Read: Shoriful enjoys his partnership with Mustafiz
Another Bangladeshi star Shakib is playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in this IPL. He has played three matches so far and taken two wickets and scored 38 runs.
He was sidelined in the last four matches of Kolkata, who are currently at seven on the points table with only two wins in seven matches.
Biman to run additional flights to Dubai Wednesday
Biman Bangladesh Airlines will run two additional flights on the Dhaka-Dubai route on May 12 before the UAE's ban for travellers from Bangladesh comes into effect.
The national flag carrier made the move as the UAE's restrictions for entry of travellers from Bangladesh will come into effect Wednesday, Biman Deputy General Manager (public relations) Tahera Khandaker said Monday.
Also read: Biman to run special flights to 5 countries from Apr 17
"The UAE will bar entry for travellers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka to guard against the spread of Covid-19 infections," the country's National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said Monday.
"However, flights between the four countries will continue to allow the transport of passengers from the UAE to Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka," it said.