London mayor Johnson backs Dubai expo 2020 bid

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has thrown his weight behind Dubai’s Expo 2020 bid, as he seeks to strengthen London’s historic ties with the UAE. “I’ll certainly support Dubai’s Expo 2020 bid and extend our all-out cooperation to Dubai to win this important global event,” Johnson, who is leading a trade mission to the Gulf, told the media at a briefing on Tuesday. "I personally back Dubai and will be happy to tell others to do so. It will be good for Dubai." Johnson is on a Gulf-wide tour to attract foreign investment in some major projects in London that will create more opportunities and help its economy grow further. His team has held meetings with officials of Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority on investment opportunities. His tour takes place a few weeks before the official visit of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the United Kingdom later this month when a number of agreements are expected to be signed. UAE companies are major investors in the United Kingdom, especially in London. DP World is developing London Gateway port and logistics facility that is expected to change the trade flow in and out of London, when it opens later this year. Besides, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC), which owns ExCel, is investing in London's biggest convention facility. Johnson said he is also ready to lend London’s expertise to Qatar in its preparation for hosting the World Cup 2022. Dubai’s bid win will also help 4,000 British companies that are present in the UAE, Johnson said. “It’s not a one-way street. Our support will definitely help more than 4,000 British companies operating here." Source: Gulfnews.com