Page 517 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/14/25, 4:30 PM AIM Congress: UAE underscores longstanding commitment to investment-led growth & global partnerships - Aletihad News Center
The Prime Minister emphasised Congo’s substantial consumption potential and the promise of a dynamic workforce to
drive long-term economic growth. She called on global investors to recognise the DRC not only as a resource-rich

country but as a future hub of sustainable development and inclusive opportunity.

“Investing in the Democratic Republic of Congo means investing in a shared future,” she concluded.

Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, stressed the region's rapid growth, technological innovation,

and resilience amidst global challenges.

Calling AIM Congress a key platform for global economic collaboration, Minnikhanov spotlighted Tatarstan’s strong
infrastructure and commitment to fostering innovation, particularly through support for small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs). He pointed to the region’s network of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), technoparks, industrial

parks, and IT hubs as crucial engines of growth.
“Despite global uncertainties, Tatarstan has shown exceptional resilience,” he stated. “Fixed capital investment has
grown by over 12%, and we’ve been recognized as the most attractive region for investors in the Russian Federation.”

The Rais also reaffirmed the role of the oil industry in Tatarstan’s economy, while highlighting emerging sectors such
as the halal industry and digital transformation in public services. These advancements, he noted, are helping the

region align with global investment and sustainability trends.

In his closing remarks, Minnikhanov noted the importance of international collaboration, particularly with the Islamic
world. “Our partnerships with Muslim countries are strong and growing. With Kazan set to become the Cultural Capital
of the Islamic World in 2026, we look forward to deepening these ties through innovation and shared prosperity.”

Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Centre for

Entrepreneurship & Innovation, delivered a compelling message on the importance of inclusive growth, financial
empowerment, and youth development across emerging economies.

Addressing a packed audience, Sheikh Ebrahim emphasised the urgency of addressing key socioeconomic gaps,
particularly in nations with large and growing youth populations. “In countries like ours, the challenge lies in
transforming population growth into economic opportunity,” he said. “Bahrain’s success story centers on investments in

education, healthcare, and workforce development—key pillars for empowering people and improving livelihoods.”

He drew attention to the significant barriers faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly

regarding access to finance. Stressing the need for financial inclusion, he pointed out that marginalized groups—
especially women and children—must be brought into the fold to ensure equitable and sustained development.

Looking ahead, Sheikh Ebrahim highlighted the growth potential of regions such as Southeast Asia, West Asia, and

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