Page 358 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 2

2/21/25, 1:17 PM Plug and Play Middle East Summit: UAE Minister champions role of technology in trade
Speaking at the inaugural Plug and Play Middle East Summit, an event that brought

together industry pioneers, government officials, and investors to showcase
innovations shaping the economy of tomorrow, 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release the value that is being locked away by outdated systems and human-centric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.

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 optimisation. 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. (ANI/WAM)

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