The UAE Ministry of Defence has announced the launch of its Trade Control Office, supported by Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun) and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

Located at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP), the new office aims to streamline defence regulatory and licensing services for the industry.
 
The office, created as a result of a MoU between Tawazun and defence ministry and considered the first fully integrated service center for MoD, is a branch of the Department of Licensing & Regulation at the ministry.
 
The facility will provide services for organisations operating in the manufacturing, import and export of defense and security services and equipment.
 
The launch comes as part of Tawazun’s commitment to enable the development of a robust and sustainable defense and security sector in the UAE, as well as support industry growth.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Matar Salim Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence and Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman of ADDED.
 
Under the terms of the MoU, the Trade Control Office will work closely with concerned parties to create a framework for the enactment of legislative processes, as well as consolidate efforts to ensure the regulation and protection of emerging military and security technologies, in compliance with international laws and conventions.
 
"Inaugurating the Trade Control Office at TIP is in line with our commitment to empowering national industries, which represents a significant milestone for the Ministry of Defence," stated Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defense Capabilities at the MOD.
 
"By supporting the UAE’s advanced defense ecosystem and enhancing the quality and competitiveness of its products worldwide, we play a pivotal role in supporting the leadership’s vision for sustainable economic development and developing talent for industry progression," he noted.
 
"As a direct link between the Ministry and potential investors, the Trade Control Office will provide several services for companies operating in the defense and security sector, including coordination with other government departments in the Emirate. This includes issuing and renewing necessary licenses for weapons, ammunition, explosives and military equipment from the MOD for manufacturing facilities with military and dual-use equipment," he added.
 
Tawazun CEO Tariq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani said: "We welcome the opening of MOD’s Trade Control Office at TIP. As a result of our continuous cooperation with MOD, we are delivering on our joint commitment to driving industry and technology development, in addition to building human capabilities."
 
"Attracting investments, strengthening partnerships with international defense institutions, empowering local SME’s, and creating a robust and sustainable defense and security sector, are all core elements of the country’s diversification strategy," he noted.
 
Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer of Tawazun, said the opening of the Trade Control Office at TIP will play a key role in the growth of the sector.
 
"By streamlining processes and facilitating procedures through a single window, we are able to better serve companies operating in the sector, contributing to the sustainable growth of a diversified economy," he stated.
 
"Tawazun’s core mandate is to enable the defense and security industry, and by introducing the right methods for industry development, and continuously working to provide a suitable legislative environment, we are creating a strong industry in the UAE," said Al Romaithi.
 
"This will not only ensure that we are operating competitively with global standards but are also creating a knowledge-based national economy, with technology and innovation at its core that will ultimately attract foreign direct investments," he added.
 
Tawazun Industrial Park CEO Engineer Faiz Saleh Al Nahdi pointed out that the new Trade Control Office added significant value to its offering.
 
"It gives defense companies based in Abu Dhabi the opportunity to benefit from the ease of the services and facilities available at TIP, thus enhancing the efficiency of their operations as well as the attractiveness of TIP," he added.

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