The UAE Ministry of Economy (MoE) has announced the launch of the Investment Map that aims to enhance investment environment and also highlight strategic opportunities in the country for global investors.

Unveiling the map at a special ceremony in Dubai, MoE undersecretary Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, 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 unveiling ceremony was attended by the Ministry's strategic partners from both public and private sectors.

The investment map, Al Shehhi said, 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.

It will help promote UAE's sustainable and balanced development and contribute to the GDP growth by stimulating investment environment and attracting funds and technology that drive knowledge economy besides reducing oil dependence through diversification.

The initiative, he explained, was 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 Emiratis and developing their capabilities; increasing efficiency, flexibility and productivity in the labour market; supporting small and medium enterprises; developing and promoting entrepreneurship.

Besides this the strategy also involves 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 research and development.

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, he explained.

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 added.-TradeArabia News Service