UAE committed to enhancing role of industrial and technological sectors

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, led the UAE delegation at the 53rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) Industrial Cooperation Committee held in Qatar.

The UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening relations with GCC member states and advancing collaborative efforts towards sustainable economic integration across the Gulf.

The delegation included Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Dr. Farah Al Zarouni, Assistant Undersecretary for Standards and Regulations of MoIAT, and Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Accelerators at MoIAT.

The GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting addressed key topics, including the mechanism for applying standards to define Gulf products. A whitepaper on industrial integration among the GCC countries was also reviewed in addition to a plan for implementing a unified industrial development strategy. The Gulf Industrial Excellence Award program also featured during the meeting, with several companies being recognized for their accomplishments.

Qatar, chair of the current GCC session, hosted the meetings of trade and industry ministers to strengthen collaboration and integration among members. The meetings provided a platform to exchange expertise, discuss developments in industrial legislation and regulation, and expand the GCC’s presence in international and regional forums.

Leadership Greetings

Dr. Al Jaber conveyed the greetings of the UAE’s leadership, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing strategic relations with partners in the Gulf, particularly in terms of industry, trade, and investment.

He extended his gratitude to Qatar for hosting the meetings, emphasizing the strong ties among GCC countries: “The GCC has created a model for strengthening economic and development partnerships while also enhancing private sector participation in sustainable economic growth. The GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee is committed to promoting the growth of industry, which is a fundamental pillar of the region’s economies and a key driver of sustainable development.”

Industrial development

Dr. Al Jaber continued: “The GCC’s model approach to economic integration and regional cooperation supports ambitious national goals. The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is committed to enhancing the role of the industrial and technological sectors in the national economy through integration and by leveraging innovation.

“Strategic partnerships with the private sector are vital to the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector as well as to ensuring supply chain sustainability and providing enablers and incentives to attract investment.”

Bilateral meetings

On the sidelines of the Industrial Cooperation Committee meetings, HE Dr. Al Jaber met with His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, to explore opportunities to enhance industrial integration. He also met with His Excellency Abdullah Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss the upcoming meeting of the Industrial Cooperation and Industrial Partnerships Committee and the UAE’s Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI).

Doha also hosted the 8th Ministerial Committee on Standardization on 31st October, chaired by HE Dr. Al Zeyoudi, with the attendance of HE Al Suwaidi, HE Dr. Al Zarouni, and HE Fadhel. The committee discussed the adoption of the GCC Standardization Organization’s strategies in addition to strategic plans in the field of standardization.

During the meetings, several industrial companies were recognized for their achievements, including their application of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Five Emirati companies received the Gulf Industrial Excellence Award: Emirates Steel Arkan in the Metals and Glass category, Borouge in the Chemicals and Polymers category, Abu Dhabi Medical Devices (ADMD) in the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment category, RAK Ceramics in the Building Materials category, and IFFCO in the F&B category.

Meanwhile, the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) has announced that China will host the 11th annual World FZO World Congress in Hainan Province next year.

This announcement was made during the World FZO’s participation in the International Forum on China Reform, as part of an official visit led by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization who delivered a keynote speech.

During the visit, a hosting agreement was signed between Dr. Al Zarooni and Liu Rutao, Deputy Director General of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development for hosting the next edition of the World FZO World Congress in China. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed by Dr. Al Zarooni and Qi Fulin, President of the China Institute for Reform and Development. This MoU aims to establish the Free Zones Institute, fostering research & development, and collaboration between the World FZO and the Institute, with the overarching goal of promoting economic growth, enhancing trade, encouraging innovation, and facilitating knowledge exchange among key stakeholders globally.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni said: ‘We, alongside the Hainan International Economic Development Office, are pleased to announce that the 11th World FZO World Congress will be held next year in China. This marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to advancing global economic development through free zones. It also underscores China’s dedication to high-level economic growth, exemplified by initiatives like the Hainan Free Trade Port.’

‘The Organization aims to establish a comprehensive framework for a more open, interconnected, and prosperous future for all. Looking ahead, we are confident that the importance of free zones will continue to grow. With the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the the China Institute for Reform and Development to launch the Free Zones Institute, free zones will play an essential role in global recovery, especially amid economic uncertainties. These zones will drive exports, create jobs, and offer flexible frameworks for investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth. They will serve as models for economic diversification, helping economies reduce reliance on traditional industries and strengthen emerging, high-value sectors,’ Al Zarooni added.

Al Zarooni continued: ‘At this critical juncture, we also acknowledge the significance of institutional reforms. The emphasis on free trade, service-led economies, and digital transformation will be central to unlocking the next phase of economic growth. As we have seen with Hainan, setting benchmarks against the world’s most successful free trade zones provides invaluable insights into how we can optimize market access, create competitive institutions, and enhance the flow of trade and investment.’