Page 280 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 1

reinforcing collaboration with Arab and Asian partners. This move solidifies the UAE's position as a
global trade partner and an attractive economic hub.

Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei remarked that the conference is pivotal in strengthening ties
between Arab and Asian nations in entrepreneurship and SMEs. It also highlights the UAE’s
competitive ecosystem for startups. The event provides a crucial opportunity to showcase this
environment to potential investors.

The conference featured two discussion sessions. The first session focused on ‘Regional Corridors
and Creating Business Opportunities.’ It addressed how regional corridors promote global trade by
facilitating investment flows across borders. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stressed their role in
boosting economic interactions between emerging and developed markets.

The second session titled ‘The New Economy in the Region’ explored developments in sectors like
artificial intelligence, waste management, and food security. It discussed how these sectors
enhance economic growth and sustainability while encouraging investment expansion. Adopting
policies for circular economic models was also emphasized.
Investment Opportunities Highlighted

In his keynote address, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted dynamic economies' rapid growth
potential in the region. He mentioned that non-oil trade between Arab nations and Asia exceeded
$10 billion in 2023, with further growth anticipated. The UAE serves as a vital gateway for
investment with Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
The conference concluded with a roundtable meeting attended by ministers from both regions.
They discussed strengthening economic cooperation through an interactive platform for private
sector engagement. This aims to achieve integration between major regional economic activities.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The discussions underscored enhancing joint economic relations across vital fields like trade,
energy, technology, AI, food security, climate change challenges, etc. Both sides expressed a desire
to cooperate towards sustainable development goals through industrial development, energy
cooperation, digital transformation, etc.

The conference ended with an agreement to expand mutual economic relations by stimulating
investments from both sides to diversify ties further. Plans were made to hold another session in
Central Asia or Azerbaijan by 2027.

This event at Investopia 2025 aligns with outcomes from the third session of the Arab Economic
Forum held in Qatar in April 2024. It reflects ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between Arab
countries, Central Asia, and Azerbaijan across financial fields of shared priority.

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