Page 304 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

The congress opened with a ‘Ministerial Meeting’ attended by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al
Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, along with 24 ministers, deputy ministers, and
secretaries-general. The meeting discussed the future role of artificial intelligence and
emerging technologies in global trade, focusing on five key areas: how to harness emerging

opportunities and address challenges through international cooperation, maximizing the
potential benefits of AI and new technologies while minimizing risks, enhancing trade and
AI integration to drive sustainable global development, stimulating trade and investment,
and tackling supply chain challenges through free zones, while shaping safer, more
resilient supply chains through modern economic zones.

In his speech during the Ministerial Meeting, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for
Foreign Trade, said: ‘We are at the cusp of a new global trade paradigm, marked by both
challenges and opportunities as global supply chains undergo transformation alongside

the rapid digitalisation of trade. Technology, meanwhile, is transcending boundaries and
reshaping global trade, with artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain improving the
resilience of supply chains. Amid these shifts, technology emerges as a transformative
force, capable of transcending regional boundaries and revolutionizing global trade.’

He added: ‘The UAE is strategically positioned as a global trade leader, adopting a neutral
stance that balances trade and diplomacy while strengthening its global partnerships
through comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs).’
Participants in the Ministerial Meeting affirmed the emergence of a new model for global
trade driven by the transformation of global supply chains and the digitization of

commerce. They noted that global conflicts, crises, trade disruptions, and protectionist
trade policies are imposing new challenges on trade flows and economic growth
internationally. However, they also highlighted that rapid technological advancements and
global sustainable development efforts are creating new opportunities for countries and
industries.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organisation, said: “The
success of the 10th edition of the organization's World Congress reaffirmed the visionary
leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and

Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, who witnessed the founding of the
organisation a decade ago. Today, it serves as a global platform that elevates the
performance of free zones and their strategic contribution to global economic growth,
bringing together an integrated system that supports one-third of global trade passing
through these zones across various regions.”

Al Zarooni added: “This year's edition not only marks a decade since the organization's
founding but also looks toward the future by shedding light on trends and developments.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b5d5dc7-world-fzo%E2%80%99s-10th-annual-world-
congress-concludes