Speech: His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi Minister of State for Foreign Trade

Speech:

His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi Minister of State for Foreign Trade

During

The Annual Investment Meeting 2020 Press conference

Date: September 21, 2020

Location: Virtual

In the name of Allah, the Merciful

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished media specialists and participants,

Allow me to express my gratitude for your presence today. Indeed, it gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all at the Annual Investment Meeting 2020 Virtual Press Conference.

The Annual Investment Meeting, organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy, has achieved a prominent presence on the regional and international arenas through its previous editions, and has succeeded in consolidating its position as one of the largest investment gatherings in the world.

Today, we are pleased to announce the first digital edition of the Annual Investment Meeting which will be held next October, with wide global participation from more than 170 countries from different continents of the world.

Through this pioneering digital platform, we will examine the latest trends in the foreign direct investment field of, and we will be keen to exchange experiences, transfer knowledge, explore business opportunities, and sign Partnership and Cooperation Agreements

There is no doubt that the Annual Investment Meeting has greatly contributed to facilitating the environment for doing business and enhancing the competitiveness to attract and sustain investments, not only for the UAE, but also for the global investment community.

This edition of AIM is specially as it will be the first mega digital event in the region which aims to discuss solutions for developing trade and investment and exchanging ideas to meet the challenges of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. And we think also that will set a new benchmark for future virtual events in the UAE.

AIM Digital will showcase the economic potential of UAE as an attractive investment destination through a virtual platform, serving as a huge opportunity to explore new markets, discover innovative measures to penetrate the current markets, further revitalize the foreign trade sector and strengthen economic relations among nations.

This highly anticipated digital Investment Platform will be held from 20th to 22nd of October with participation of stakeholders from more than 170 countries, Including Government Departments, International and Regional Organizations, Investment Promotion Agencies, as well as Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, Start-ups, Incubators, Small and Medium Enterprises, Banking Sectors, and Technology Providers.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The UAE has succeeded in developing its economy over the past decades, transforming from an oil-based economy into a diversified and globally competitive economy. It is based on principles of knowledge, innovation and technology. Today, we are working to achieve a new shift in our national economy according to a more flexible and sustainable model and with a greater focus on sectors of the future economy.

Certainly, foreign direct investment can play an important role in achieving these transformations. We are actively working to integrate smart solutions in the business environment, and during the pandemic period over the past months, we have witnessed the ability of the government and private sectors in the UAE to adapt quickly and develop new methods of work and productivity.

Hence, the importance of keeping pace with global economies with the requirements of the times and developing a sustainable approach to doing business. The UAE supports joint work to reduce the digital divide between countries.

We believe that this year's AIM digital will provide an important platform to achieve this trend. Especially through its diverse agenda that includes many pillars: Foreign Direct Investment, Foreign Portfolio Investment, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Startups, Future Cities, and One Belt, One Road.

Furthermore, AIM Digital will showcase different features that will extensively boost investment opportunities in various sectors such as Conference, Exhibition, Digital Country Presentation, Startups Virtual Pitch Competition, Conglomerate Presentations, Awards, Investors' Hub, Regional Focus Sessions, Made in Series, Investment Roundtables and world-class Networking Features.

Sisters and brothers,

The Annual Investment Meeting continues its role as a vital platform for investment cooperation, it provides a critical opportunity to promote the UAE's Vision and its economic plans. In this regard, I would like to highlight the 33 initiatives of the UAE Government identifies the framework and mechanism of the UAE’s economic system aiming to support various economic sectors. especially in facing the challenges resulting from the spread of COVID-19

This package serves the country's goals of supporting business continuity and building a resilient and sustainable economic model, and will focus on encouraging investment in digital companies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as supporting productivity and enhancing the flexibility of the Employment. We will also work through this package to provide an enabling environment that will empower small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs, and promote advanced technology to maintain economic growth, in line with the determinants of the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071.

In the end, we are optimistic that this digital version of the Annual Investment Meeting will meet your aspirations, and will result in initiatives and partnerships that serve the foreign direct investment environment in the world. Thank you very much.

Reference:

Annual Investment Meeting 2020