The Industry Development Council convened for its first meeting, headed by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of the Industry Development Council.
In mid-December 2021, the UAE Cabinet approved the establishment of the UAE Industry Development Council with the aim of enhancing the capability and competitiveness of the UAE’s industrial sector, developing an attractive environment for local and international investors, and instilling a conducive business environment for SMEs. The council is also responsible for coordinating with federal and local government entities to develop policies and legislations necessary for the growth of the UAE’s industrial sector and adopting unified performance indicators.
During the meeting, His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, was appointed Vice Chairman of the Industry Development Council and Chairman of the Council’s Executive Committee, and His Excellency Osama Amir Fadl, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector at MoIAT, as Rapporteur of the Industry Development Council. Moreover, council members discussed incentives and enablers for the UAE’s industrial sector to ensure its flexibility, efficiency and competitiveness, and addressed developing a unified industrial database.
An Integrated Partnership
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “In line with the vision and directives of the UAE’s leadership, the Industry Development Council seeks to enhance the integration of and collaboration between federal and local government entities and boost the contribution of the private sector. All this is with the aim of promoting industrial growth in the UAE during the next phase, especially in light of the results achieved in the first year of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s establishment.”
His Excellency noted that the valuable achievements are due to the complementary partnership framework between MoIAT and key industry stakeholders. He commented: “The UAE’s industrial sector features several promising opportunities to achieve the leadership’s ambitions and play a pivotal role in strengthening the national economy. The Industry Development Council is one of the pillars supporting the realization of this drive, by enabling industrial development, enhancing national in-country value, boosting the competitiveness of UAE’s products in local, regional and international markets, and attracting foreign direct investments.”
Growth and Prosperity
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi highlighted that the increase in the UAE’s production and export capacities, and enhancing the competitiveness of its products regionally and globally. is a national priority, especially in light of the great opportunities presented in the post-COVID-19 era.
His Excellency Dr. Al Zeyoudi said: “Exports accounted for approximately 60% of the UAE’s industrial production in 2020. In addition, statistics indicate that the UAE accounts for more than a third of Arab industrial exports, and more than two-thirds of Arab exports of goods with advanced technologies, all of which present a valuable opportunity for the growth and prosperity of the UAE’s industrial sector.”
He noted that the Industry Development Council discussed ways of updating standards and technical specifications given their vital role in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of UAE industries. They also explored ways to promote national products locally and adopt targets to stimulate national industrial production in vital sectors.
Strategic Objectives
During the meeting, council members agreed upon the mandate, framework, and strategic objectives of the council. They also reviewed the latest developments in the implementation of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, the industrial plan of each emirate, and its contribution to the overall strategy.
In addition, specialized subcommittees were established with the mandate to enhance the industrial database, unify industrial regulations and legislations nation-wide, and follow up on the implementation of industrial incentives.
Attendees
The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; His Excellency Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; His Excellency Engineer Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs; His Excellency Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Acting Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security; Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Acting Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; His Excellency Humaid Mohammed ben Salem, Secretary General of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry; His Excellency Major General Dr. Mubarak Ghafan Al Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Defence Industries at the Ministry of Defence; Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank; Her Excellency Noura Al Marzouqi, Assistant Undersecretary for Policy and Strategy at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; His Excellency Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; Engineer Saed Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai Industries and Exports; Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Nuaimi, Director of Planning and Business Development Administration at Ajman Department of Economic Development; His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shayeb Al-Naqbi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development in Ras Al Khaimah; His Excellency Mohammed Obaid bin Majed Al Aleeli, Director General of the Department of Industry and Economy in Fujairah; and Her Excellency Sheikha Abdullah Al Shamsi, Acting Director General of the Department of Economic Development in Umm Al Quwain.
Mandate
The Industry Development Council, which includes 16 members from various federal and local authorities, is a key platform for cooperation and coordinated efforts, which contributes to enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness. The council will also accelerate the implementation and launch of initiatives and propose and prepare policies, legislations, and strategies that contribute to achieving growth. sustainable development and the enhancement of national in-country value.