Khaleej Times

UAE a land of innovation and great opportunit­ies

- Ashwani Kumar — ashwani@khaleejtim­es.com

abu dhabi — Each emirate in the UAE is unique and presents good investment opportunit­y to enhance the UAE-China strategic partnershi­p in various sectors, the UAEChina Economic Forum heard.

At the forum organised by the Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representa­tives from government entities of each emirate presented potential investment opportunit­ies to Chinese businessme­n. All of them highlighte­d the new decisions by the UAE Cabinet allowing 100 per cent ownership to foreign investors. Representa­tives involved in investment promotion pointed out key opportunit­ies for cooperatio­n and partnershi­p across economic sectors.

Officials from Dubai and Abu Dhabi talked about the ease of doing business, facilities available at free zones and infrastruc­ture at ports and airport among others. Sharjah representa­tive noted how foreigners no longer need a UAE residence visa to purchase a property in the emirate.

Promoter from Ajman promised that even though small, the emirate possessed resources to match peers.

A presentati­on entitled ‘Emirates the Land of Innovation’ highlighte­d the country’s policy of encouragin­g innovation across various economic sectors and the initiative­s taken by government and private institutio­ns in this regard. There was focus on the wide range of opportunit­ies available in terms of trade, investment, tourism, culture, science and technology sectors.

Officials also stressed that sectors related to innovation, technology, scientific research, advanced industries and small and medium-sized enterprise­s will assume top priority.

Humaid Mohammed bin Salem, secretary-general of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry emphasised the importance of the forum as a platform to strengthen trade ties between the private sector in the UAE and its

The UAE accounts for 30 per cent of China’s total exports to Arab countries and 22 per cent of total Chinese-Arab trade

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy

counterpar­t in China, in the light of strong common interests and foundation­s for establishi­ng joint ventures that serve the developmen­t process of the two countries.

Chinese Business Council in the UAE chairman Huang Yongzhang in his address spoke about the comprehens­ive developmen­t of economic and trade relations between China and the UAE since the establishm­ent of a strategic partnershi­p between them in 2012, which led to tangible achievemen­ts across various fields. He added that as per initial estimates China’s actual investment in the UAE exceeded $3 billion in 2017.

The forum, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Internatio­nal Cooperatio­n, Abu Dhabi Investment Bureau and UAE Chambers Federation, stressed on the importance of taking advantage of their respective economic, trade and investment assets and exploring further opportunit­ies for future cooperatio­n.

The officials present included those from the various department­s of the Ministry of Economy, Expo 2020, Sharjah FDI Office, UAE Space Agency, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Department of Energy - Abu Dhabi, Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DP World, Adnoc, Abu Dhabi Investment Company, Dubai Holding and others.

 ?? — Wam ?? His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Abu Dhabi.
— Wam His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Abu Dhabi.

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