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Press Release

H.E. Bin Touq meets with Secretary-General of ASEAN to explore

strengthening of economic partnership in fast-growing sectors,
tourism, entrepreneurship & new economy

ASEAN private sector a key player in the UAE’s business and economic
environment

Abu Dhabi, 30 April 2024:

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Kao Kim
Horn, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to discuss the
development of the UAE-ASEAN economic partnership in fast-growing sectors, technology,
entrepreneurship, new economy, tourism, and circular economy. The meeting took place on the
sidelines of H.E.'s participation in the World Economic Forum, which was held in Riyadh recently.

H.E. Bin Touq highlighted that the UAE and ASEAN states share robust strategic relations, which
continue to grow in various fields, especially economic and investment. He pointed out the UAE's
desire, under the guidance of its wise leadership, to continue building productive partnerships with
ASEAN countries, especially as the two sides share common future visions in expanding to new
economic sectors, stimulating capital flows and promoting dialogue at the private sector level.

The Minister of Economy said: "We see the ASEAN private sector as a key player in the UAE's
business and economic environment. Therefore, the meeting served as an important platform for
exchanging views and exploring opportunities for cooperation in priority sectors, supporting the
creation of new pathways for stronger economic ties."

The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation in support of sustainable tourism
development, as well as opportunities and potential in different sectors and tourism activities on
both markets, and the importance of joint action in increasing mutual tourism flows and the number
of flights between the two sides.

H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the UAE’s efforts in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative since its
launch in 2013 through the country’s development potential, strategic position linking the East and
the West and a USD 10 billion investment into the joint UAE-Chinese investment fund to support
the initiative's projects in East Africa. It has also signed 13 MoUs with China in 2018 for multiple
investments in the UAE, enhancing the prospects for economic cooperation between the UAE and

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