Bridges between London and the Gulf

* username: rupertbu

The City of London’s relationship with the flourishing commercial centres of the GCC is as strong as ever, but given the challenges and opportunities facing all of us, we would benefit from it being even stronger.

That is why I am here in Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading a delegation of bankers, lawyers, insurers, asset managers and consultants – some of whom are already doing significant business in the UAE, while some are still looking at the possibilities – to demonstrate our commitment to the region, to share our experiences and build on our substantial links.

The past three years have not been easy ones for the world economy, and we have all endured the impact of bank failures, falls in the volume of trade and declines in asset prices. London has certainly felt the chill but because it is a centre that is internationally owned, internationally managed and internationally staffed, and is focused on the whole picture of global trade and development, global recovery and readjustment are offering scope for new business.