Second day of 4th Emirates Economic Planning Forum continue to shed light on the future of the economy

UAE, November 2, 2017 – Under the patronage and presence of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman and Member of the Federal Supreme Council, the 4th Emirates Economic Planning Forum-Ajman themed ‘Overseeing the Future in Light of New Economic Changes’, concluded its second day with the third and fourth working sessions focused on development planning and UAE’s programs in attracting investments. The Emirate of Ajman is hosting the 4th edition of the forum, following the success of previous editions held in Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.

The working session, which focused on ‘Development Planning in Ajman’, kicked off with the presentation of the ‘Strategic Plan of Ajman 2021’ by Ahmed Rashid Shattaf, Director of Policies and Strategies, Executive Council of Ajman. Faisal Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Deputy General Manager of Ajman Free Zone, discussed the investment and export services in Ajman Free Zone, while Mohammed Ali Al Janahi, Executive Director of Business and Investment Development Sector, Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), shed light on policies that could strengthen the role of private sector in achieving sustainable development in Ajman.

Nasser Al Marzouqi, Director of Real Estate Affairs Regulation Department, presented the efforts aimed at developing and regulating the real estate sector in the emirate, while Marwan Obaid Al Muhairi, Director of Investments and Project Management Office, Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, explained the specifics of ‘Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development in Ajman’. The third session concluded with a panel discussion led by H.E Ali Issa Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development in Ajman (DED-Ajman). 

The next working session titled, ‘Plans and Programs to Attract Investment in the UAE’, focused on the investment roadmap for the UAE, with a participation from Dr. Matar Ahmed Al Ali, Director of Industrial and Information Management Analysis, at the Ministry of Economy. It also shed light on Abu Dhabi's experience in promoting and attracting foreign investments, which was presented by Dr. Adeeb Al Afifi, Director of Foreign Trade and Export Support, Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi. Ahmad Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), also discussed during this session Sharjah’s experiences in this area, followed by Dr. Abdul Halim Moheisen, the Economic Advisor of the Department of Economic Development of Ras Al Khaimah. The session concluded its agenda with a panel discussion by Dr. Sulaiman Warid Al Masaid, Economic Expert, Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Ali Issa Al Nuaimi said: “The second day’s working sessions significantly provided a strategic platform to discuss the major efforts that make up the UAE's investment roadmap. It also shed light on the latest developments in terms of urban planning, infrastructure development, and real estate sector regulation in Ajman, as well as the ongoing efforts to strengthen the private sector’s role in achieving development, in line with the objectives of Ajman Vision 2021 in building a competitive economy based on innovation and sustainability, consistent with UAE Vision 2021. The working sessions have successfully brought cooperation, integration and coordination between the Ministry of Economy and the economic development departments in the UAE. It has helped develop a clear framework that will enhance economic planning which is crucial in the transition to the post-oil economy and build a more secure, sustainable and prosperous future for the coming generations.”

H.E. added, The 4th Emirates Economic Planning Forum-Ajman reflects the shared visions of the Ministry of Economy, the economic development departments in the UAE and the entities concerned to achieve the ambitious goals of the UAE Vision 2021 and the economic directives of the UAE, through discussing important topics tackling the economic and investment landscape in the UAE, considering the rapid global economic developments. The forum aims to help enhance economic planning and set effective development strategies, by coming up with recommendations that contribute to economic development in the UAE.