Abu Dhabi is moving towards developing its trade partnership with South Korea.  Even in the midst of the pandemic situation, both countries are moving towards each other for good. Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jeong Sun Kyun, Mayor of Gangnam District, South Korea.

The MoU will see the development of their strategic partnerships that will help expand their trade channels, and increase cultural and tourism exchange through the strategic representative office of the Chamber in Gangnam District.

The signing ceremony took place during a virtual meeting organised by the Chamber and was attended by Rashid Saeed Al Shamsi, Chargé d'affairs at the UAE Embassy in Korea; Hakhee Jo, Executive Managing Director of the International Affairs Group at Korea International Trade Association (KITA); and Ho Jang, Representative of the Chamber’s Office in Seoul.

During the meeting, Al Mheiri could confidently say that the Abu Dhabi Chamber could perform its duties well even in the times of the pandemic. It was proud to be able to support the various businesses. "On the contrary, we were able to go on providing our services and holding to ensure the growth of businesses. In addition, we are holding virtual meetings to sign agreements and extending bridges using modern technologies," he said while addressing the media over the virtual meeting.

"Despite the challenges, the world economy is facing, but the Abu Dhabi Chamber has always been there to provide the necessary support for the private sector. We are completely confident in our wise leadership. Thanks to their directives and the joint work with our partners we will overcome these challenges and turn them into real opportunities for a more prosperous future," Al Mheiri added.

The Director-General pointed out that the economic relations between the UAE and Korea are very strong and trade figures and statistics are proof of that. "In addition, the Chamber is the first to set up a representative office in Seoul back in 2015," he said, noting that this agreement is the ninth agreement the Chamber signs with prominent establishments and authorities in Korea.

 Abu Dhabi Chamber will be making great use of the South Korea’s exceptional healthcare facilities. "According to this agreement, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, in cooperation with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, will organise Abu Dhabi-Korea Healthcare Week, which is due to be held in cooperation with KITA next October. The event will be an interactive platform for the related businesses," he concluded.

For his part, Jeong Sun Kyun, Mayor of Gangnam District, said, "Under the current challenges and restriction due to COVID-19 pandemic, we are cooperating with the Abu Dhabi Chamber through this MoU to expand our bilateral exchange in all sectors; especially that Gangnam District is home to some of the most famous entertainment brands in the world. Gangnam also home to more than 2,500 healthcare establishments that attract tourists from across the globe, hence the name "Tourism Therapy Centre" Gangnam is known for."