Straight Answers

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">Saeed M Al-Shamsi, ambassador of The United Arab Emirates, on his visit to Bangalore:<br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What are your impressions of Bangalore?</span><br />My family and I were driven from the airport to my friend Sanjay Khan''s Golden Palms Spa & Resort. What I saw en route was a City that has all the trappings of a modern metropolis. Of course, I''m aware this is the IT capital of India and that there''s pioneering work afoot on various fronts of the hi-tech spectrum. I hope to learn more about this during my stay. Being my country''s ambassador, posted in Delhi, I believe travelling around India will provide me with a better understanding of your country and its people and also enable me to feel the pulse of your great nation.<br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What is your take on the commerce between our two countries?</span><br />Our two countries have interacted for centuries. Very recently an ASSOCHAM delegation visited the UAE and had very beneficial meetings with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce. Our President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Alnahayal has been spearheading a commercial policy that will enable greater investment in our country, even as we expand from producing oil to other sectors such as agriculture and international investment.<br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What is the future you forsee in business relations between Bangalore and your country?</span><br />Well, there are already thousands of Indians working in the UAE. Several hundred are from Bangalore. Traditionally, most business in the past was conducted between Indians from India and Indians living in the UAE. In the last few years we have actively encouraged joint ventures with citizens of the UAE.<br />As for Bangalore, when I look at this wonderful spa with its international class facilities, I can''t help but admit that your City with its salubrious climate is ideal for rejuvenation and healthcare therapies. Couple this with the cosmopolitan ethos, the intellectual talent pool and I can''t help but foresee that we can have a great future together.</div> </div>