Ministry of Economy to undertake nation-wide survey on Foreign Direct Investment

This comes in line with the UAE government's strategy to build a strong and reliable database on FDI inflow to the UAE.

His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, said that the Central Department of Statistics (CDS) has received Dr. Christi Richard, an expert from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for technical consultancy on the survey's research methodology and to assist in its implementation as per international standards.

Mr Al Mansouri said that cooperation among all stakeholders, especially those in the private sector, is crucial for the success of the survey.

He added that accurate and relevant data will contribute positively to the drafting of Governments' policies with respect to FDI.

Mr. Rachid Khamis Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary for Planning and Statistics - MoE, said that the FDI survey will establish the foundations for a reliable data base which CDS will update periodically.

Decision makers in both public and private sectors will benefit from the data, which will be used in developmental policy-making.

Dr. Christi Richard visited several federal and local governmental agencies and private sector companies involved in FDI.

A workshop on FDI statistics in Abu Dhabi, attended by several federal and local governmental agencies, was also held.

At the workshop, CDS highlighted its commitment to maintaining a reliable data base on FDI, as accurate and up-to-date statistics represent a key element in monitoring the progress of the sector and its further growth.

The workshop also aimed at enhancing the statistical capabilities in the UAE in addition to spreading know-how among personnel concerned.

The workshop outlined key areas of economical statistics, the mechanisms, categorization and verification of sources and its evaluation as per international standards.

It also aimed at unifying statistical understandings among all stakeholders in the UAE, apart from focusing on a National Accounts Compilation System.

The survey will be conducted in partnership with the Department of Planning and Economy in Abu Dhabi and Statistics Center of Dubai.