India is a Leading Trade Partner: UAE Minister.

The UAE today described India as a leading trade partner, which has contributed 'significantly' to its economic development.

'India has contributed significantly to the economic development of UAE. India is our first and leading trade partner',UAE minister of Foreign Trade, Sheikha Lubna Khalid Sultan Al Qassimi said, addressing a function here to mark the launch of logo of the Rs 1500 crore Lulu Shopping Mall here.

The mall is being promoted by M A Yusuffali, Managing Director of EMKE Group and an NRK in the UAE.

Bilateral trade between the two countries was 48 billion USD, the minister who was the chief guest, said.

T K A Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister,said a large number of Keralites are working in the UAE and other GCC countries and the state cherish this relationship,which is not confined to diplomatic channels."This relationship touches a large number of people," he said.

The ruling and opposition parties in the state need to work together and transform Kochi from its present 'pathethic' state, he said.

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achutanandan,who unveiled the logo by handing it over to T K A Nair, said several development projects in kochi, including Vallarpadam terminal,are expected to be completed in the coming months. Work on Kochi Metro rail project is progressing and its part the road widening work was going on, he said.

Union minister of state for Agriculture K V Thomas released a brochure while Kerala Home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan launched the website of the mall. Opposition leader Oommen Chandy presided over the function.

 In his welcome address, Yusaffali said majority of the 18 lakh Indians in UAE were from Kerala.

Thirtytwo per cent of retail market in the gulf was contributed by the EMKE Group, he claimed.

The Mall, with a built up area of 25 laksh square feet and having four floors, would be the largest in the country when completed. It will house some of the best brands in fashion, cosmetics, home furnishing, jewellery, he said. Leasing of space was going on.

Among the facilties being provided were a family amusement center, massive food court to accomodate 3500 persons, nine screen multiplex. The project also includes a 315 luxury hotels by world's leading Marriott group adjacent to the mall with top class facilties such as Spa and Gym.

On completion, the mall would generate direct employment for 8000 persons and indirect job opportunity to over 20,000, he said.

Source : outlookindia.com