Page 84 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025

This edition witnessed the participation of several ministers, government officials, and business
leaders from Arab and Asian countries, including, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of
Economy and Chairman of Investopia, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State
for Foreign Trade, Her Excellency Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for
Entrepreneurship, H.E. Hassan Al-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt,
H.E. Samir Obeid, Minister of Trade and Export Development of Tunisia, H.E. Sidi Ahmed
Abou, Minister of Economy and Finance of Mauritania, and H.E. Mustafa Hassan Mohammed,
Minister of Economy, Industry, and Investment of the Union of the Comoros.

In addition, H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade
Affairs at Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Dr. Khaled Hanafi, Secretary-
General of the Union of Arab Chambers, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki,
Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Economic Affairs at the Arab League, H.E. Khalid
bin Ali bin Salem Al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development
Affairs at the GCC Secretariat, H.E. Tarek Sherif, Vice President of the Arab Businessmen
Federation, H.E. Shukhrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of
Uzbekistan, and H.E. Samad Bashirli, Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, also
attended the session.
H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that Investopia's hosting of this economic event reflects the UAE’s
and the Ministry of Economy’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation across the
Arab and Asian regions, particularly in new economy sectors. He highlighted that the
conference serves as a crucial platform for fostering sustainable economic partnerships,
enhancing connectivity among Arab and Asian business communities, and maximizing
economic and investment growth opportunities.

H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi underlined that the UAE's selection as the host for this
international event reflects its growing influence in global trade and investment. He affirmed
the country’s commitment to reinforcing collaboration with Arab and Asian partners in
alignment with the strategic objectives of We the UAE 2031, further solidifying its status as a
global trade partner and an attractive economic hub.

Her Excellency Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei stated: The conference serves as a key
milestone in strengthening ties between Arab and Asian nations in entrepreneurship and small
and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also offers an essential opportunity to spotlight the UAE’s
competitive ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurship.

Opening Session

In his keynote address, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the region’s dynamic
economies and rapid growth potential. He noted that non-oil trade between Arab nations and
Asia surpassed $10 billion in 2023, with further growth expected in the coming years. He also
emphasized the UAE’s role as a vital gateway for investment and trade with Central Asia and
Azerbaijan, pointing out that the UAE’s non-oil trade with Azerbaijan exceeded $1.5 billion in
2022, while trade with Central Asia exceeded $3 billion.
He outlined four key areas for economic collaboration:, green energy and sustainability,
particularly in solar and wind power; technology and artificial intelligence to drive industrial
innovation and economic growth; trade facilitation and logistics through investment in