Dubai: In his first interaction with the press after taking over as the new Consul General of India in Dubai, Venu Rajamony said the welfare of the Indian community in Dubai and the northern emirates shall be his top priority. 

Rajamony said the Indian consulate would try to be more pro-active in identifying the problems of the Indian workers and reach out to the Indian community to understand their problems and to find solutions to the best extent possible.

Another top priority would be to promote trade and economic relations between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said Rajamony, who was previously counsellor (press) at the Indian embassy in Washington.

Rajamony said he intended to visit the Dubai prison and a labour camp soon to see the conditions of Indian nationals.

"The consulate would hold an 'Open House' Wednesday where he and other top embassy officials would be available to deal with any problems of Indian expatriates," he said.