Page 185 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

The first panel, “Connecting Physical and Digital Infrastructures”, discussed the significance of

interconnected infrastructure networks in enhancing regional economic integration, including
transport, energy and digital connectivity, and their pivotal role in lowering trade costs, improving
logistics performance and supporting knowledge exchange. It further highlighted the position of the

UAE and Saudi Arabia as global logistics and investment hubs.

The second panel, titled “Connecting Markets: Trade, Investment and Regulatory Convergence”,
highlighted how infrastructure can be transformed into a competitive edge. This requires linking

markets across borders, including attracting investment into local value chains, reducing barriers
in trade and customs, and harmonising regulations that create conditions for free zones and

logistics to drive economic growth.
The third panel, “Connecting People and Ideas: Cross Border Innovation Ecosystems”, focused on

the role of governments in reducing barriers to mobility and fostering regional innovation platforms
that contribute to building dynamic innovation ecosystems that generate new jobs and support

sustainable growth. This can be achieved through effective partnerships with universities and
business incubators, research and business collaboration, R&D investment and innovation

activities.
The fourth panel, “Sustainable Tourism: Developing High-Value Strategies for Diversification”,

explored the opportunities in the tourism sector that can contribute to the growth and
diversification of regional and global economies, creating innovative sustainable models and

strategic public–private tourism partnerships. It focused on investment in digitalisation and skills
development to strengthen tourism’s contribution to sustainable economic development.

The fifth panel, “SMEs and Entrepreneurship: Scaling Opportunities for Inclusive Growth”, focused
on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to generate jobs, drive innovation and

boost productivity across various economic and investment sectors. Serving as the backbone of
the global economy, SMEs can scale, compete and expand into regional and global markets.

Finally, the sixth panel, “Agribusiness: Supporting Innovation and Regional Cooperation”, explored
the impact of climate risks and resource scarcity on the agricultural sector. It focused on

strengthening cooperation with governments, the private sector and research institutions related

to food-systems in fields of climate smart innovation, digital technologies, and supporting the
growth of this critical sector globally.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bmgrklu-uae-hosts-mena-oecd-business-advisory-board