UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade holds specialized technical workshop on foreign trade policy

Titled "Foreign Trade Policies Workshop" and held under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Trade H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the two-day activity will be conducted from 9 am until 5 pm up to tomorrow at Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

Participants include 50 distinguished personalities from the public and private sectors who are supporting MoFT's efforts to improve collaboration among private and business sectors and the community.

During his opening speech, H.E. Juma Al Kait, Executive Director of MoFT, said:

"The Ministry is committed to promoting all sectors of the UAE in order to attract the highest number of Arab and foreign investments possible while preserving existing ones. We are likewise playing a major role in both environmental and community development, which we consider pillars of growth for the UAE's citizens amidst today's changing international conditions."

The workshop is part of the MoFT's planned launching of a national program which will closely involve the private sector in foreign trade policy development. Among the topics it will cover are discussions on the relationship between foreign trade policies and economic development and between liberalization of foreign trade and globalization; regional integration; and the use of trade and industrial policy tools in light of globalization.

The MoFT workshop reflects current trends in UAE trade policy, such as an increased focus on the quality of the preparation process, stronger protection of national commercial interests, and closer coordination among all parties involved in trade. Two lecturers who have vast expertise in Egyptian trade policies will provide valuable insights on policy development and follow-up.

"Although the Ministry of Foreign Trade was just established in 2008, it has been a major contributor to the development of the Emirates' economy and enhanced trade relations at the local, regional and international levels. We have proposed and developed several policies to further promote trade, facilitated various contracts and negotiations to conclude and implement vital foreign trade treaties and agreements, and represented the UAE well in related organizations, exhibitions, and regional and international conferences in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This workshop reaffirms our commitment to national growth and the establishment of better relations among government, businesses and the community," concluded Al Kait.