Dhabi, Nov. 19th, 2008 --UAE Foreign Trade Minister HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, met today with Spanish's Catalonia region Trade Minister Joseph Hogat, who is visiting the country accompanied by Spanish business persons, representing tourist, health, investment and financial sectors to explore cooperation between the UAE and Catalonia region.

Sheikha Lubna referred to the distinguished relations between the two countries in presence of Spanish Ambassador to UAE Manuel Pineiro, citing the historic visit paid by King of Spain to the UAE last year, the visit that pushed for the stronger relations between the two countries in different fields.

She underlined the need for promoting the relations, particularly in the areas of air transport and investment to further achieve commercial, economic and tourist growth, indicating that the government encourages public sector to invest in infrastructure fields such as airports, electricity, water and communications. She added that the government also encourages the public sector to privatise too.

The Spanish official expressed interest to boost cooperation between the UAE companies with their Spanish counterparts, adding that Catalonia is known for its foreign investments. He added that the Spanish businesspersons will visit important sectors such as health, tourism, aviation and investment at local and federal levels ahead of forging joint and effective cooperation between the two sides. (WAM/MN)