Page 160 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

noted the UAE’s strategic advantages — from its geographic location and infrastructure to its
advanced financing tools and trade frameworks.

He underscored the significance of the UAE’s 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreements (CEPAs), which provide manufacturers access to more than three billion consumers,
further positioning the UAE as a global hub for industrial investment and production.

The Ministerial Panel: Redefining Industry, Trade and Investment explored how the UAE is fostering
a next-generation industrial economy – one that is diversified, resilient, and globally integrated. The
discussion between His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade,
and Ahmed Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED),
examined the interconnectedness of trade policy, investment incentives, and industrial
development frameworks that position the UAE as a competitive and sustainable global hub for
industry and investment. Dr. Al Zeyoudi detailed how CEPAs and open trade policies position the
UAE as a launchpad for export-led manufacturing. HE Al Zaabi, meanwhile, emphasized the role of
targeted policy in attracting investment.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, “Trade agreements have demonstrated clear benefits. According to World Bank
reports, trade can increase a country’s exports by up to 35% and boost GDP growth by 15%.
Recognizing this potential, less than four years ago we concluded a comprehensive seven-year
agreement covering multiple continents. To date, 21 agreements are in effect, with several more
expected in the coming weeks.”
Al Zaabi added: “The UAE is among the few countries that have successfully modernized its legal
framework to serve the industrial sector better. Thirty or forty years ago, employment opportunities
in Abu Dhabi were limited. Today, these opportunities are far more abundant, and we actively
encourage our citizens to pursue careers in industrial fields. Our capacity is greater than ever, and
the future looks promising.”

At the close of the panel, Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa and Vice Chairperson and
Managing Director of the Emirates Growth Fund, introduced the newly launched Emirates Growth
Fund — a AED 1 billion initiative under Emirates Development Bank. The fund is designed to
empower the next generation of UAE-grown industrial champions, focusing on high-growth ventures
across technology, advanced manufacturing, and SME sectors.

Al Midfa said: “We are proud to announce a strategic commitment of AED1 billion to support these
companies. And that’s only the beginning. We aim to channel more than AED 10 billion in funding
into high-impact sectors such as healthcare, advanced technology, and next-generation
industries.” She added: “It is time to make SMEs great again.”

Continuing the day’s emphasis on inclusive industrial transformation, a high-level session titled
“Farm to Factory: Growing Agritech in the Emirates” spotlighted the UAE’s growing investment in
agricultural technology. The session brought together sector leaders to discuss how agritech is
driving food resilience and industrial diversification through local innovation and sustainable
practices.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/15krscy-make-the-emirates-2025-opens-with-drive-strengthen