The Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) and the Department of Planning of Economy (DPE) have joined forces to enhance the industrial sector’s role in strengthening the economy, in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. The two organizations held a workshop entitled “The Role of the Industrial Sector in Economic Development (GDP Contribution and Export Promotion),” targeting all factories operating within ZonesCorp’s projects in the Industrial Cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Industrial City.

 At the outset of the workshop HE the DPE Undersecretary expressed his hope that the workshop would achieve its objectives of reviewing and discussing all issues related to the development of the industrial sector in accordance with the objectives set out in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. He commended the unstinting support  given to the workshop by HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Court of HH Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp),

H.E. Mohammed Omar Abdullah added that Abu Dhabi 2030 Economic Vision has identified the issue of economic diversification as a major lynchpin for the economy of the Emirate, which targets an aggregate growth rate of 7% for certain sectors to help balance the non-oil trade balance by providing a conducive environment for the growth and development of sectors to in which Abu Dhabi has a competitive advantage on the global level, including for instance, industry and tourism.

 He observed that the oil sector and associated operations currently constitute the bulk of economic activity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, giving the emirate a comfortable surplus in its trade balance.

HE Mohammed Omar Abdullah, said the workshop aims to highlight the first of the thirty objective laid down in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision-2030, which seeks to mitigate the impact of volatile economic conditions on economic and GDP growth through diversification away from the oil-sector and focusing on  capital-intensive and export-oriented sectors.

 H.E. the DPE Undersecretary said, “The Export Support Team have traveled the world to benchmark best practices and services from global export markets in Asia and Europe. We aim to help existing exporters increase their international sales and help more Abu Dhabi-based companies export to regional and international markets. To accomplish this, we plan to provide tailored services, including market studies and intelligence, access to international trade shows and access to funding and insurance.” 

 For his part H.E. Engineer Jaber Hareb Al Khaili, CEO of ZonesCorp, said, “In line with the Emirate’s vision to diversify the economy away from oil towards a knowledge-based economy, the industrial sector will play an important role towards this end. It is necessary for our organization to better understand processes and identify the needs of existing businesses and factories, in order for us to develop and offer them the best tools and services.”

 HE Zonescorp CEO extended his thanks to HE Nasser bin Ahmed Al Suwaidi, DPE Chairman  HE Mohammed Omar Abdullah, DPE Undersecretary, the DPE’s sector and division directors and the DPE/Zonescorp joint team for their contribution to the success of the workshop.

Concluding his speech, Engineer Alkhaili called on all stakeholders in Abu Dhabi to work for the growth and development of the national economy to enhance its competitiveness and capacity to export, in line with the wise policy HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “May Allah protect him ", noting the continued support of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the prudent guidance of HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Court of HH the Crown Prince and Chairman Zonescorp. He stressed the need for the concerted efforts of all in the economic sphere in order to reach the targets of Abu Dhabi’s export oriented policy and put the products of the emirate on the global map.

Speakers at the workshop assured that both the DPE and Zonescorp look forward to distinguished economic accomplishments by stimulating the industrial sector of the emirate, developing exports and putting Abu Dhabi Economic Vision into effect through the programs, plans and initiatives that translate the Vision’s goals, in line with the directives of the Government of Abu Dhabi and through encouraging the spirit of team work, creativity and innovation within the national industries, and the upgrading of performance standard as envisaged in the  Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.