UAE moots Indo-Arabic economic bloc

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has proposed an Indo-Arabic economic bloc with a view to ensure prosperity and growth over the long term for the two sides.

Trade between UAE and India witnessed a dramatic change recently, UAE economy minister Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi said "trade exchange between the two countries was limited to spices. This has been replaced by oil, infrastructure materials and hi-tech products."

India is striding confidently to become one of the world's leading economies as the country posted 8.9% growth in national income during the first quarter of 2006, she said yesterday at the opening of the 6th
Indo-Arab Conference and the Exhibition of Indian Products held in Sharjah.

She said India and Arab countries should move towards an economic blow uniting the two regions. "I believe such a bloc could result in the outcomes we both seek - prosperity and growth over the long term," she said.

The UAE minister also noted that Gulf countries host more than six million Indians who transfer about $20 billion annually to their country.

"India is keen that the Arab world plays an important role in India's economic development," minister for company affairs Prem Chand Gupta said.

"The Gulf countries with surplus resources are looking for investment opportunities. Their joining India can make the partnership ideal in many sectors," Gupta said.

Indian officials at the meet said the country's fast growing economy needs to attract mover Arab investment and in return the Arab world could benefit from Indian achievements in medical science, engineering, manufacturing, education and information technology.