Tuesday, Dec 17, 2013
Abu Dhabi: The UAE is aiming to become a regional hub for the global smart economy by boosting its economic competitiveness and building a knowledge-based economy, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday.
Shaikh Abdullah spoke of the UAE’s achievements in a ceremony to highlight the growing role of the foreign ministry in backing the national economy, supporting national investments abroad and networking.
Shaikh Abdullah said the UAE ranked 23rd globally in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report 2014. The report by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) assesses regulations affecting domestic firms in 189 economies. The UAE was ranked fourth globally in the Trading Across Borders category, up from its fifth ranking in 2013.
In addition, the UAE was ranked the highest in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region in the same category. It topped the region in five of the ten parameters on which the report ranked the economies.
The UAE tops the region in starting a business, getting electricity, registering property, paying taxes (first globally) and trading across borders.
Shaikh Abdullah added the UAE has risen in its global ranking on the latest World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness report, ranking 19th overall on the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) out of 148 countries.
He said the foundations of the UAE foreign policy were founded on the values and principles cherished by the founding fathers as well as the present rulers.
The UAE’s foreign policy, he said, comprised good neighbourliness, understanding and non-interference in internal issues, as well as the amicable resolution of all disputes, especially those in the region.
He added that the fruits of this policy were mutual openness between the UAE and the world, and strategic partnerships on the political, economic, trade, cultural, scientific, educational and health levels with many countries, and asserting the prominent position the country has gained in the international community.
Shaikh Abdullah said the government extends all forms of support to the UAE’s national and local companies and their investment abroad, through proactive diplomacy and direct supervision.
Important step
“A number of issues were resolved including dumping, high customs duties imposed by certain countries against our products and taxes levied on some of our companies on the international markets,” Shaikh Abdullah said.
He said the UAE supports Egypt’s effort to revive its economy through developing economic plans and removing obstacles facing investors in Egypt.
Shaikh Abdullah also welcomed the fact that UAE citizens visiting the UK are now exempt from pre-entry visas. He praised the move as an important step that would ease the movement of UAE citizens.
The Foreign Ministry also exerted efforts towards exempting citizens from the Schengen visa, which will boost trade between the UAE and the European Union member countries and pave the way for further cultural openness between European countries and Arab and Islamic countries.
Shaikh Abdullah attributed the Dubai Expo 2020 win to the trust the world bestowed on the UAE and its competitive economy.
While proudly recalling achievements of the national economy, Shaikh Abdullah said he looks forward with hope to more achievements through the spirit of teamwork adopted by all bodies concerned in the service of the national economy and investments abroad.
Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, praised the foreign ministry’s efforts to gain landing rights in numerous countries.
Shaikh Ahmad said the Dubai Expo 2020 win was achieved by a massive campaign and the honest efforts of the UAE’s diplomats, government and private organisations.
By Samir Salama Associate Editor
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
