(Dubai) – Calling for increased global trade as a means to facilitate geopolitical stability, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, opened Global Trade Development Week 2015, at the Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai.
The three-day event brings together influential business and government leaders from over 100 countries to discuss how to tackle today’s most challenging trade and development issues.
“Increased trade across borders is perhaps the strongest enabler of geopolitical stability. However, we need to evolve efficient means to drive and facilitate this trade.” said Al Mansouri, highlighting the central theme of his speech, the potential of the global trading system to deliver shared economic prosperity.
Pointing out the means towards stimulating global economic growth, he added. “We have to find new sources of income, and enable access to trade, finance and investment to create conditions for inclusive and sustained economic prosperity. Global Trade Development Week presents a forum where business leaders, whether they are SMEs, multinationals or owners of family businesses, can link directly with government departments and key representatives from investment and finance, to explore how they can grow their businesses and trade across borders. This ease of doing business is a crucial prerequisite to stimulate sustainable economic growth.”
Global Trade Development Week, which is organised under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy, is now an established major annual forum and exhibition dedicated to the advancement of the international trading system.
The Minister used his speech to express the crucial role trade had played in the history of the UAE and spoke about the growth of the UAE’s non-oil trade volumes, saying, “Trade played a major role in the history of our region and country. It continues to be a vital tool to leverage economic growth and development. Trade numbers are ever increasing, reflecting the growing role of in international trade. The UAE’s non-oil trade volume grew from Dh 1.5 trillion in 2013 to reach Dh 1.6 trillion in 2014 and we are determined to further increase these numbers. The UAE is now the fourth largest re-exporter worldwide as it establishes itself as a vibrant hub for global trade.”
(Courtesy WAM)