Al-Suwaidi builds bridges with Cordoban companies
Trade relations between the United Arab Emirates and Spain are at a great moment. The Gulf country is Spain's second largest customer in the Middle East region behind only Saudi Arabia, although in 2019 it managed to overtake it. Andalusia, in particular, is the fourth Spanish Autonomous Community that exports the most products to the Emirates. In 2020, Andalusian exports exceeded 120 million euros, while the previous year they reached almost 140 million.
In this regard, taking into account the importance of trade relations between the Emirates and Andalusia, Majid al-Suwaidi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Spain, visited the Rabanales 21 Science and Technology Park. This complex is a point of reference for innovative and cutting-edge companies in the region.
Al-Suwaidi was accompanied by José María Bellido, Mayor of Córdoba; Antonio Repullo, Government Delegate of the Andalusian Regional Government in Córdoba; Rosario Alarcón, Director General of Andalucía Global; Antonio Díaz, President of the Confederation of Businessmen of Córdoba (CECO); María del Mar Delgado, Delegate of the Rector of the University of Córdoba for International Projection; and Eva Pozo, Director of the Rabanales 21 Science and Technology Park.
Bellido gave an introductory speech explaining what this scientific and technological complex means for the city and the region. He also pointed out the involvement of public institutions in the project, together with the collaboration of private initiative. Repullo, for his part, declared that "local companies can bear fruit, not only here, but worldwide". Both politicians thanked Al-Suwaidi for his presence in the city and in the centre.
Alarcón, who had already accompanied the ambassador on his tourist visits the previous day, emphasised the heritage of Cordoba, a "world cultural reference", as he described it. The Director General of Andalucía Global expressed her wish that Cordoba would also become a point of reference in the business world. "This visit is so important because it shows once again the efforts to build a promising future in Cordoba," said Alarcón.
"Rabanales 21 is a diamond to be discovered," said Díaz. The president of the Confederation of Businessmen of Cordoba provided data on the current trade relations between the Andalusian province and the United Arab Emirates. As Díaz reported, from January 2021 to July, Cordovan companies have achieved 10 million euros in exports to the Arab country. Among these exports, the sectors that stand out are jewellery, with 25% of the total, olives, with 22%, followed by olive oil (17%), industrial refrigeration (13%) and decorative ceramics (8%).
In this sense, Delgado called for support for innovation, while Pozo highlighted the opportunities presented by Cordovan companies, which allow access to both Europe and North Africa. The director of the scientific and technological centre listed the main sectors of the community and the province: aerospace, agri-food, metals, tourism, energy and sustainability, transport and logistics, mining and biotechnology. Also, with the aim of encouraging investors, he highlighted the great transport infrastructure of the province, such as the AVE high-speed train or some of the nearest international airports, such as Seville or Malaga. "The companies in Rabanales 21 employ more than 500 people and produce more than 60 million euros a year," said Pozo.
Afterwards, it was the turn of four successful companies from the region: ICCA, CONTRACT Interior, SILOS Córdoba and Paythunder. The managers of each company reported on their business trajectory and the services they offer.
Finally, the closing remarks were made by the guest speaker, the Emirati ambassador. Al-Suwaidi began by revealing that since arriving in Spain, "Andalusia was the first place I wanted to visit". He also stressed the strong economic, political and cultural relations with Spain. The diplomat expressed his hope that this visit would serve to strengthen "business ties".
After the brief introduction, he gave a presentation on the United Arab Emirates. Al-Suwaidi spoke about the country's past, Emirati values and economy. "The wealth of the country lies with the government, which is aware that natural resources will eventually run out," he said. For this reason, he stressed the importance of diversifying the economy.
With regard to Emirati society, he highlighted the tolerance of the population, giving as an example The Abrahamic House in Abu Dhabi, a religious complex that houses a mosque, a church and a synagogue. In this regard, Al-Suwaidi recalled his recent visit to the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, which also demonstrates this religious and cultural coexistence.
In addition to religious respect, the Emirati representative emphasised the role of women in the country. Al-Suwaidi highlighted the government's efforts to empower women and encourage them to participate in political and economic life. As a result of these government measures, there must be at least one woman on every corporate board of directors.
Al-Suwaidi also listed other qualities of the Emirates, such as healthcare, the agri-food sector and artificial intelligence. He also referred to the Ministry of Happiness, one of the most striking aspects of the Emirati government. "It is not only the economic sector that influences the quality of life".
To close, he stressed the importance of Andalusia in the Emirates and announced the opening of an airline between Malaga and Abu Dhabi.
Al-Suwaidi then travelled to the University of Cordoba. The ambassador once again reviewed the scientific and social achievements of his country, such as the mission to Mars and the integration of women into the world of work.
The Emirati ambassador will also travel to Seville today, where he will visit the Real Alcázar and the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation.