FLO International Biz Delegation to UAE, 2023

President Sudha Shivkumar, FLO embarked on the 1st FLO International Biz Delegation to UAE from November 20 to November 23, 2023, with 26 FLO Entrepreneurs from various chapters.

UAE was identified an apt destination by President FLO & the initiative team, basis its liberal biz environment, pro-active Govt., lucrative opportunities that encourage promotion of women’s business. Meetings held at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah led to valuable networks & opportunities with focused outcomes.

The Ministry of Economy, UAE: The meeting was held with HE Juma Al Khait, Undersecretary & Chief Trade & Biz Negotiator, who connected us to She Trades & Gender Balance Council. He requested FLO President to actively increase its Trade & Biz interaction with UAE, especially as India & UAE signed the 1st Bi-Lateral Trade agreement of CEPA. As an outcome, the Ministry is working on a White Paper to identify areas of collaboration with FLO. We now await their Document.

Established Businesspersons & Start-up Founders hosted at Amity University – a ½ day session of interactions hosted by Amity University, meeting successful Entrepreneurs & Founders of Start-Ups, Unicorns, including Chairman of Danube.

Protocol Meeting with Ambassador HE Mr. Sunjay Sudheer in Abu Dhabi and Consul General of India Dubai, HE Mr. Satish Sivan, Consul General of India and the Trade and Commerce promotion team was excellent. As an outcome of the meeting, the CG announced that the Indian Consulate would like to partner FLO for their initiative ELEVATE, which supports Indian Start-ups to connect to Investors in UAE.

Emirates Businesswomen’s Council – This meeting was scheduled at the behest of Hon’ble Minister GOI, Mr. Piyush Goyal. The Chairperson, HE Farida Al Awadhi, a few Board Members and many members of the council interacted with delegates, which led to next level business meetings for a few. After the CEPA Agreement with India, one Emirati lady has set up an IT company in Hyderabad with 700 employees and another lady, who runs 7 Gas Stations in UAE, is exploring opportunities to set up her company in India. President FLO in her address mentioned about FLO Industrial Park and its huge economic & social impact. As part of the EBWC’s agenda for Economic Rebalancing and commitment to promote an equitable role of women in Business Development, the Chairperson of EBWC is keen to establish an Industrial Park for UAE women. FLO has offered to support as Knowledge Partner.

Sharjah Investment Authority Board & Sharjah Entrepreneur’s’ Council & SHERAA -The delegation visited the HALL OF WISDOM at Sharjah, a unique library & resource center, where we met Members of Sharjah Entrepreneurs council, Board Members of SHERAA and Sharjah Investment Promotion Authority.

HIGHLIGHTS

– Partnership with Consul General of India, Govt. of India for the ELEVATE Initiative which gives FLO start-ups an opportunity to pitch for investment.
– The Ministry of Economy is working on a White Paper to identify areas of collaboration with FLO.
– Established Connect with World’s 1st Gender Balance Council.
– SIX Delegates received business leads.
– FLO to support EBWC to establish Industrial Park for UAE Women.