02-04-01 An axis linking the UAE, India and South Africa in a politico-commercial pact could create a powerful entity on the global stage, according to a top public sector official. "I see a triangle forming between Dubai, Mumbai and Johannesburg which will have a very active role in future.

These are two very promising sources for Dubai. That's my vision," said Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, secretary to Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE's Minister of Finance and Industry. "While globalisation may or may not work, there is nothing stopping you from making individual treaties or alliances. Why can't we do the same with India or South Africa to enhance our own national interests? "For instance, South Africa needs investments and markets for its goods. These are available in the Middle East and Asia and come with no strings attached.
"Dubai's development cannot wait for the bureaucratic type of decision-making in the traditional way. Normal business transactions have to be replaced with quicker methods," added Al Sayegh, who is also a director of Emirates National Oil and deputy chairman of Dugas. "Some major decisions that have been made in Dubai have been taken by just two or three, not by a council or committee, and it has worked well. "Developments such as Emirates airline, Dugas, Enoc, the expansion of Dubai International Airport, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City testify to that," he said.