Dubai - MENA Herald: In recognition of Dubai’s rising profile as an international trading hub and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s leading role as a supporter of global trade, H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber has been appointed for the coveted post of Deputy Chair of the World Chambers Federation (WCF), the International Chamber of Commerce's department responsible for chambers of commerce affairs for a three-year mandate from January 2016 to December 2018. H.E. Buamim’s appointment resonates the leadership role played by Dubai Chamber on an international level while enjoying high reputation amongst peer chambers of the world. The WCF General Council recently voted unanimously demonstrating overwhelming support for H.E. Buamim for his past efforts as one of the six Vice Chairs of the Federation in strengthening the global network of chambers while reinforcing the role he played in the region. Mr. Peter Mihok, President of Slovakia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry was elected Chair of the Federation. H.E. Buamim accredited this global honour to Dubai’s growing profile as a sound investment destination in the world stating that this recognition will lend impetus to Dubai Chamber and support its initiatives of uniting regional and international chambers while promoting Dubai as a gateway and role model to the Middle East and an international business hub of repute. “This recognition not only reflects on the UAE’s status in the region’s economic scene and the great trust that Dubai enjoys as a strategic business destination but directly reflects on the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai who is continuously supporting the business community and is behind the success of the country’s economic growth,” added H.E. Buamim. He expressed his deepest gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed for his unconditional support to the private sector and for his efforts in providing an investor-friendly environment for global businesses to showcase their competitiveness in the world business arena through Dubai. “On its part, Dubai Chamber has been playing the role of a leading business facilitator by supporting e-commerce and ATA Carnet system in the region. The organisation is also working to bridge the gap between the regional and global chambers while voicing their concerns with the decision makers of World Chambers Federation which has a membership of 12,000 global chambers, besides contributing to improving the performance of world chambers in line with best international standards,” said H.E. Buamim. This new position qualifies H.E. Buamim to become WCF Chair at the completion of the three-year term as Deputy Chair. The Paris-based World Chambers Federation which unites and represents the global network of 12,000 chambers of commerce was set up in 1950 and is celebrating its 65th anniversary this month while continuing with its efforts to foster and facilitate collaboration and cooperation between chamber leaders and their members worldwide. Some of the key accomplishments of WCF over the past few years included the release of the Chamber Charter: the Entrepreneurs Bill of Rights, a document aiding the advocacy efforts of chambers in their marketplace; building ties with chambers in Africa; the signing of two accords with CPCCAF and ASCAME; market expansion of both the ATA and CO services and the growing success of the World Chambers Congress. Looking forward, new WCF priorities include establishing a WCF digital strategy, expanding membership, aiding chambers in business development opportunities for their members, the Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games and the International Festival of Business.
