DEC delegation met with the mayor of Milan and visited Expo Milano 2015

Hani Al Hamli, Secretary-General at Dubai Economic Council (DEC), praised the growing trading relations between the UAE and Italy, which reflect both countries looking-forward to strengthen the economic ties between them. Al Hamli also anticipated Dubai to bypass of ‘emerging markets' tier to be one of the developed economies after Dubai Expo 2020.

Al Hamli headed a DEC delegation to Milan, where he met with Giuliano Pisapia, the Mayor of Milano, and visited Expo Milano 2015.

The trip also aimed to underpin foundations for strategic partnerships with a number of economic-decision-making circuits, high-calibre economic policy and research centres and academics in Milano.

In the inception of the meeting with the Mayor of Milan, Al Hamli shed light on the DEC mandates and its role in Dubai's economy agenda. He also highlighted the recent developments in Dubai's economy. "Dubai is currently witnessing a new momentum of growth, thanks to the critical initiatives launched by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum", Al Hamli said. He also stressed that Dubai is moving toward knowledge-based economy.

Al Hamli stated that among the main aims of the DEC delegation's visit to Milano is to draw lessons on the best practices, policies and regulations associated with Expo Milano 2015 that have positive impacts on the city economy, and also to identify the key challenges faced the city hence to employ this experience for the best impacts of Dubai Expo 2020 on Dubai and UAE economy.

Hani Al Hamli stated that Italy is the second largest trading partner in Europe for the UAE; with total trade Dh 30 million in 2014. "There is a thriving Italian business community in the UAE and Dubai operating in various industries", Al Hamli added.

Al Hamli said that the significance of Dubai Expo 2020 is not confined to the anticipated growth in sectoral level (e.g., tourism, real estate, logistics, etc.) but also the great opportunity the unique event will allow to the emirate to enhance its resilience as a global city in the global map.

Al Hamli stressed that Dubai enjoys all ‘critical success factors' to host Dubai Expo 2020. The DEC delegation visited the UAE pavilion at Expo Milano 2015. They took pride for the innovative design and presentation methods which embodied the rapid evolution of the UAE economy.

The second station of the DEC delegation was the International Centre for Studies on Tourism Economics CISET. Mara Manente, the Director, presented snapshots on the centre. She said it was set up in 1991, as a result of a partnership between Ca' Foscari University Venice, the Veneto Region and the Italian Touring Club.

Manente said the centre Support and promotes tourism as an engine of economic growth and social development, capable of producing material and cultural wealth for local, national and international businesses and destinations.

The centre approach is a perfect blend of academic expertise and business know-how, based on a strong synergy between research studies and consultancy services – conducted exclusively by CISET or in collaboration with national and international partners – and on our experience in tertiary education and management training.

Al Hamli praised the critical role the centre plays in promoting tourism of Milan. He also expressed his looking forward to establish long-term cooperation between DEC and CISET.

Hani Al Hamli then shed light on the tourism sector in Dubai. He also explained the Tourism Vision 2020, launched by the Government of Dubai, which aims to develop tourism in Dubai and reach 20 million tourists by 2020.

The DEC delegation also visited the Centre for Research on Regional Economics, Transport and Tourism (CERTeT) and met with Dr. Oliviero Baccelli, the Director of the centre.

Baccelli said CERTeT was established at the end of 1995. It focuses on the following research areas: territorial economics (both regional and urban); transportation economics and the analysis of transport infrastructure (railways, highways, airways, waterways), economics of tourism the Centre organises an Advanced Course in the Economics of Tourism; evaluation of regional and local policies, which specific attention to the use of EU Structural Funds; economics and management of water resources and their role in local development.