UAE-German Joint Economic Commission meeting discusses bilateral collaboration

ABU DHABI, 10th March, 2015 (WAM) -- The 10th UAE-German Joint Economic Commission Meeting has been held at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahar in Abu Dhabi with the aim to strengthen cooperation in the fields of energy, climate policy and green economy, as well as infrastructure, metrology, health, education and training, and technology. The UAE delegation was led by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, while the German delegation was represented by Sigmar Gabriel, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. Also present were Brigitte Zypries, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and Sheikh Ahmad Al Shehhi, Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs, Ministry of Economy, and high level officials from both countries and key representatives of the business community. The two sides agreed to place particular emphasis on facilitating market access and diversifying the range of goods and services exchanged through increasing the number of trade exhibitions, fairs and business forums in both countries and encouraging the active engagement between SMEs. Members of the delegation additionally expressed intent to promote close bilateral co-operation in the field of smart cities and smart infrastructure, particularly in the context of the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. Continued co-operation in the field of drinking water security and groundwater management in the UAE was also discussed. Notably, Mansouri stressed the interest of UAE renewable energies developers to engage in the German offshore wind market and explore potential collaboration and market opportunities. In his opening address, Al Mansouri said, "In recent years, the ties that bind our two countries have strengthened at all levels and across many sectors. Driven by the political will and resolve of our leaderships, our long-standing cordial relations are now being channelled into developing new synergies. Trade exchange between the two countries increased 13 percent in 2014 to exceed 12 billion Euros. However, we are confident that our relations are poised for even greater growth." "The UAE is the largest trading partner for Germany in the region and our aim with this Joint Economic Commission Meeting is to agree on frameworks that support this strategic partnership and take it to ever greater heights. The UAE-German Joint Commission plays a pivotal role in advancing and furthering the framework of economic cooperation between the two countries for the wider benefit of both countries and its people," he added. Acknowledging the role of the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) in the UAE towards the expansion of bilateral trade and investment links, as well as the exchange of technology and vocational training, the delegations concurred that AHK is the first bilateral chamber in the UAE that offers an active networking platform in the UAE for German and Emirati companies. Speaking on the state of the economic progress in the UAE, Al Mansouri said, "During the past few years, the UAE has witnessed phenomenal growth. The government today assigns great importance to issues of economic diversity. In line with our leadership’s directive, the Ministry of Economy is stepping up its focus on sectors that play an enabling role in the process of diversification, especially sustainable sectors based on knowledge, technology and innovation. He concluded, "In our efforts to articulate this vision, we see Germany as the perfect partner to support the development process of the UAE. Today, Germany is one of the most advanced countries globally in the field of industry, technology and innovation. In line with the UAE Innovation Strategy 2021, we are looking to develop cooperation with Germany through joint activities in areas such as innovation centres, regulatory framework for innovation, technological infrastructure and investment in innovative industries." – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395277674187.html