Page 843 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2024

12/27/24, 4:20 PM Home | Emirates News Agency
Chairman of the Executive Office of the Administration of the President of Tajikistan; as well as ambassadors from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Argentina, Tajik
Colombia and Consuls-General of Singapore and Turkiye in Dubai.
In his opening address at the forum, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: “E-commerce has emerged as a cornerstone of the globa
transforming industries and redefining consumer experiences over the past 25 years. This year, global e-commerce sales are expected to surpass $6.4 trillion, with mobile co
accounting for nearly $2 trillion of that total. In 2024, online purchases will represent 20% of all retail sales—a testament to how deeply digital trade has become embedded in
fuelled by widespread internet access and mobile connectivity.”
“The UAE has long recognised the transformative potential of e-commerce. This is why we continue to invest in infrastructure to advance digital commerce across the Middle
beyond, including the development of Dubai CommerCity—the region's first and leading free zone exclusively dedicated to digital commerce,” Dr. Al Zeyoudi added.
Murodali Alimardon, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, delivered a keynote speech on the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan 2030. He emphasised
strategy's goal of enhancing the standard of living for citizens through economic development. He also highlighted the country's key economic enablers, such as infrastructure
natural resources, while addressing global advancements in digital trade and Tajikistan’s readiness to forge strategic partnerships in this sector.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of the Board of Dubai CommerCity, said that hosting the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum, one of the lea
events in digital commerce, reflects Dubai CommerCity's commitment to advancing the sector's strategic role in driving non-oil economic growth, in alignment with the Dubai
Agenda D33.
Dr. Al Zarooni highlighted the remarkable interest from stakeholders across the digital commerce landscape, as evidenced by the forum's strong participation and its distingui
of speakers representing leading global companies. He noted that this high level of engagement underscores Dubai’s status as a global trade hub, its critical role in supportin
sector's anticipated growth, and its strategic importance in the interconnected fields of global trade, logistics, and related services.
The Ambassador of Turkiye to the UAE, underscored the significance of the robust trade ties between the UAE and Turkey, highlighting the UAE’s position as Turkey’s larges
partner within the GCC. He emphasised the importance of strengthening trade cooperation between the two nations, given their roles as key regional business and aviation h
Omar Nart, CEO of WORLDEF, said: “We gather in Dubai—a global hub of innovation and trade—to shape the future of commerce. WORLDEF Dubai 2024 forum is a unique
bringing together leaders and visionaries to discuss opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing digital economy. This year’s focus, ‘Driving Global Trade Through Part
and Innovation’, highlights the power of collaboration. We thank Dubai CommerCity for the support and for hosting this important forum.”
The forum’s first day featured a fireside chat with Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, focusing on the digital economy and its critical role
economic growth. Lootah discussed the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the digital economy’s contribution to the nation’s GDP—from 9.7% in 2022 to 19
the next decade.
He also highlighted initiatives launched by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to support local emerging technology companies, attract global enterprises, and establish a
framework to address challenges. These efforts aim to accelerate the growth of the digital economy and position Dubai as a prime destination for digital businesses, contribut
significant economic value to the region. Lootah also expressed confidence in the sector’s future, noting that growth in the GCC and the UAE is currently exceeding expectati
supported by strong economic indicators that signal sustained upward momentum.

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