Page 76 - ECI PR REPORT JANUARY 2025

1/28/25, 2:40 PM Latest News
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The workshop commenced with opening remarks from H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of ECI, during which she
underlined how the Xport Xponential initiative seeks to create new opportunities for export, re-export, and

foreign trade activities, positioning the UAE as a key player in global markets, and empowering local
manufacturers and exporters to strengthen their growth. H.E. Al Mazrouei also highlighted the initiative’s key

offerings, such as a comprehensive suite of credit and financing solutions, in partnership with strategic
partners from the public and private sectors, along with advisory support and access to a vast database,

facilitating partnerships with potential buyers and importers worldwide.

In her remarks, Her Excellency noted that the directives of the wise leadership and the UAE’s national

development strategies serve as roadmap for the Xport Xponential initiative. The initiative's goals, she noted,
align with the economic objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to raise the GDP to AED 3

trillion, increase non-oil exports to AED 800 billion, and raise the value of the foreign trade to AED 4 trillion
within the next decade. H.E. Al Mazrouei concluded by reiterating ECI's steadfast commitment to raising the
competitiveness of domestic non-oil goods, which will help diversify the UAE economy and strengthen its

competitive edge at both regional and global levels.

As the workshop progressed, Dr. Yasar Jarrar, Managing Partner, Gov Campus, Author, and Professor (Hult
International Business School), spoke about the growth trajectory of small and medium-sized enterprises

(SMEs) in the UAE. 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 Middle East and Africa, Director Public Sector Solutions

at Swiss Re Management Ltd., highlighted the role of re-insurance supporting Export Credit Agencies. This
was followed by a session on risk assessment of key export markets, during which Robert Besseling, CEO

and Founder of PANGEA-RISK, shared insights on the Export Opportunity for the UAE.

The sessions proceeded with Andreas Klasen, Strategy Advisor and Professor of International Business at
Oxford HRA, addressing the audience about the importance of empowering global trade, and the role of

ECAs in sustainable export growth.

Shaima Alaydarous, Director of Negotiations and International Organizations Department at the Ministry of

Economy, led a strategic discussion about the importance of Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreements (CEPAs) in supporting exporters and importers in the UAE market, as well as strengthening the

UAE's trade relations with key regional and global markets. Meanwhile, Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi, Director of

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