A landmark debate called 'Masterclass - the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030' brought together an extraordinary cluster of world-class economists, captains of industry and key Government decision-makers. Taking place today in the prestigious setting of Etihad Towers, the round table debate examined how -
- SMEs can reap practical benefits even in the early stages of the 2030 turnaround
- The emphasis needs to be 'work smarter, not harder' - and SMEs will be given the tools and the skills training to do just that
- The 2030 Vision is already proving to be a key catalyst in encouraging full and proper integration between public and private sectors - and it's SMEs who'll benefit most
In an event open to the public, the day also featured Success Stories from SMEs who have leveraged effective results precisely by using the approaches and strategies outlined in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
The top team of panelists included
- Rudolph Lohmeyer, Leader, Global Business Policy Council, AT Kearney and formerly, Senior Advisor, US Department of State
- Yogesh Mehta, CEO, Petrochem
- Dr. Dalia Abu Samra-Rohte, CEO, AHK German-Emirati Joint Council, Industry and Commerce, Abu Dhabi
- Dr. Anil Khurana, Partner, PWC
- Prof. Abdullah Abonamah, CEO, The UAE Academy
- Ahsan Ali, Director, Credit, The Khalifa Fund
- Nina Curley, Managing Director, Flat6Labs
- Nilanjan Ray, Managing Director, Global Commercial Banking, NBAD.
"In the changing economic environment, capital is still very much available, but SMEs and start-ups will have to be more disciplined in how they design and secure finance. This discipline will focus on iteration, future-driven value propositions and connection to global value chains." Said Rudolph Lohmeyer
The 'Masterclass' round table proved a powerful forum for helping SMEs discover the new world of opportunity that the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision is already opening up and its practical benefits for thousands of local business owners.
HE Professor Abonamah also advised on how Emiratis are participating in the 2030 vision: "Emiratis are increasingly participating in these new entrepreneurial aspects and are responding very well. Through our entrepreneurship programmes, we support and foster Emiratis to successfully master all aspects of business development - from inception to implementation. We provide them with an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, a specialized online toolkit and a 'Signature Learning Experience' Center which will give them a hands-on experience and empower them to professionally launch in the business world."
One important conclusion: as the economic scene continues to change and we enter a time of sustained lower oil prices, the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 has adapted and transformed its remit, creating a fresh, relevant and highly practical blueprint for today's business culture.
CPI Media Group
For two decades, Dubai-based CPI has published magazines and guides, organised events and run successful marketing campaigns across the GCC.
Privately owned by its founder, Dominic De Sousa, CPI has grown organically from a single title to its current stable of over 25 titles, over 20 web portals, over a dozen awards ceremonies and numerous b2b events and conferences. Aggressive expansion plans mean more will follow in the next two years.
CPI is committed to a digital future and is already exploiting social media to enhance its brands, as well as investing heavily into upgrades of its multiple Web sites. Marketing solutions for clients typically include a mix or print, digital and event-based solutions.
CPI has enjoyed several long term partnerships with leading global brands - for example, IDG and BBC Worldwide. All of these major players chose CPI over competing publishers because of our innovation and understanding of the regional market.
Importantly, CPI never stands still or takes its past successes for granted.
© Press Release 2015
