The Industry and Advanced Technology Forum at this year’s WGS, was organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). It sought to address global challenges and solutions in developing quality infrastructure, as well as its role in achieving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
There, the ‘Make it in the Emirate initiative’ came into the spotlight, with a focus on its role in enhancing the competitiveness of local products and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of supply chains.
Discussions at the Forum aimed to shape policies that enhance its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in industrial sustainability and development.
Also discussed were the UAE’s business environment, incentives and enablers, competitive financing and credit insurance, and competitive advantages such as logistics and quality infrastructure.
Sessions held as part of this Forum saw the participation of Her Excellency Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards & Regulations Sector, MoIAT; His Excellency Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector at MoIAT; Jo Cops, President, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Ciyong Zou, Deputy Director-General and Managing Director, UNIDO, Ramy Zaki, CEO, Multinational Companies Business Group and His Excellency Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank (EDB).
Her Excellency Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards & Regulations Sector, MoIAT, commented: “The ministry is committed to enhancing quality infrastructure in line with its strategic objectives. The quality infrastructure ecosystem, which comprises standards, accreditation, and conformity, is fundamental to facilitating trade, creating an attractive business environment for local and international investors, as well as expanding access to global markets. This further bolsters the growth and competitiveness of our national industries, strengthening the UAE’s position as a pioneering nation of a resilient and sustainable quality infrastructure.”
She added: “The UAE ranked first in the MENA region and 11th globally in UNIDO’s 2022 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index report, which demonstrates its commitment to aligning with global best practices and advancing the ecosystem.”