His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, today, announced the launch of the UAE Investment Map, at a special ceremony in Dubai in the presence of the Ministry’s strategic partners from both public and private sectors.
Mr Al Shehhi said the initiative will promote the sustainable and balanced development of the UAE, and contribute to the GDP growth by stimulating the investment environment and attracting investment and technology that drive the knowledge economy in addition to reducing the dependence on oil by diversifying revenue streams.
Mr Al Shehhi said the UAE Investment Map comes in line with the strategic directions of the Ministry for 2011-2013 to enhance the investment environment and the competitiveness of the national economy by targeting international markets and attracting large investment projects to the UAE.
He said the initiative will serve as an indicator to guide global investors and introduce them to the various investment opportunities across all sectors of the UAE economy through a systematic and scientific approach.
The initiative is also part of the UAE Vision 2021 to drive the development of a knowledge-based economy. To achieve the Vision, the Federal Government Strategy 2011 – 2013 has set strategic directions, including the participation of UAE nationals and developing their capabilities; increasing efficiency, flexibility and productivity in the labor market; supporting small and medium enterprises; developing and promoting entrepreneurship; strengthening the regulatory framework of key sectors; encouraging and supporting existing and new sectors; promoting export development and promotion of the country’s position in international trade; and encouraging innovation and R&D.
Mr Al Shehhi said the UAE Investment Map will provide an overview of the investment opportunities in each Emirate in health, agriculture, real estate, alternative energy, SMEs, services, industry, education, and finance, among others sectors. In the first phase, the initiative aims to target markets such as Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, Germany, India, China and South Korea.
The areas that fall within the investment map also include: aluminum industry, automotive, aviation, information technology, telecommunications, financial services, electronics, engineering and industrial technology, healthcare, petrochemical industry, education and knowledge industry, and the pharmaceutical industry.
“In November, the UAE Investment Map will be officially launched during the UAE’s Investment Map conference, alongside a specialised exhibition to introduce government services to key international investors,” Al Shehhi concluded.
