Page 349 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 2

2/21/25, 1:15 PM Home | Emirates News Agency
Al Zeyoudi emphasised the urgent need for the international trading community to harness the power of

startups and release the value that is being locked away by outdated systems and human-centric processes.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated: “The UAE recognises that trade is undergoing a complete transformation, driven by new

technologies, automation, and digital innovation. It is vital we empower entrepreneurs and startups to develop

cutting -edge solutions that enable smarter, faster, and more inclusive global trade — while establishing the
regulatory frameworks and interoperable systems needed to deploy them. Through the TradeTech Initiative,

launched in partnership with the World Economic Forum, we are accelerating these efforts, including the
establishment of the TradeTech Accelerator and a Regulatory Sandbox. Their success can unlock new

opportunities for commerce across the world..”

He continued: “The TradeTech Accelerator, developed in collaboration with Plug and Play, is already yielding
results. From a pool of 1,500 top-tier startups worldwide, we have identified 14 high-potential ventures

pioneering AI-driven logistics, blockchain-powered trade finance, and digital supply-chain optimization. Their

agility and creativity will not only enhance supply chains but also reaffirm the strength of the UAE’s innovation
ecosystem.”

The summit included a series of fireside chats and panel discussions, bringing together leading figures from

technology, investment, and trade to explore AI’s evolving role in entrepreneurship. Discussions covered a
wide range of topics, from fintech trends and blockchain to the transformative impact of AI on industries and

its role in augmenting human capabilities.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bi1subm-plug-and-play-middle-east-summit-uae-minister 2/2