Page 61 - ECI PR REPORT JANUARY 2025

1/28/25, 2:35 PM ECI hosts workshop for selected Xport Xponential initiative firms
support and access to an extensive database facilitate partnerships with potential buyers and
importers around the globe.
Read more: Fitch reaffirms ECI’s AA- rating, recognizing UAE’s economic strength

Aligning with national development strategies
Her Excellency noted that the directives of the wise leadership and the national development
strategies of the UAE serve as a roadmap for the Xport Xponential initiative. The objectives of the
initiative align with the economic goals of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which targets increasing
the GDP to AED3 trillion, elevating non-oil exports to AED800 billion, and raising the value of
foreign trade to AED4 trillion within the next decade. H.E. Al Mazrouei concluded by reiterating
ECI’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of domestic non-oil goods, which
will aid in diversifying the UAE economy and boosting its competitive advantage at both regional
and global levels.

Focus on SMEs and trade finance
Moreover, as the workshop continued, Dr. Yasar Jarrar, managing partner at Gov Campus, author,
and professor at Hult International Business School, discussed the growth trajectory of small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE. This was followed by a presentation from Mahesh
Kumar, vice president of Trade Finance at Emirates Development Bank (EDB), who delivered a
session titled ‘Trade And Working Capital Products – Value Proposition.’
During a virtual session, Haitham Al Khazaleh, head of Middle East and Africa, director of Public
Sector Solutions at Swiss Re Management Ltd., highlighted the role of re-insurance in supporting
Export Credit Agencies. Following this, Robert Besseling, CEO and founder of PANGEA-RISK,
shared insights on the export opportunities available for the UAE, focusing on risk assessment of
key export markets.

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