The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) jointly organised a workshop to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE with regard to export and investments.

The workshop on 'Methods and Policies of Export Development, and Export Rules & Regulations in the New World Order' was attended by export-oriented private sector companies from all over the UAE.

The event was organised in line with the plans and programs of the Ministry, taking into consideration best international practices in export development at the firm level, as well as the recognition of relevant international rules and regulations.

This will enable the private sector to take full advantage of export opportunities in target markets, and subsequently promoting the national economy and supporting the government’s strategic directions in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, said a senior official.

Mahmood Sharif Mahmood, director of Foreign Trade Policies, said in his opening speech that the UAE Government’s top priority was to establish a competitive knowledge-based economy for the emirates, as outlined in the first Government's strategic plans launched in 2007 and the second plan in 2011 which covers the timeframe from 2011 to 2013.

'The government has developed strategic plans and initiatives and implemented programs and policies pertaining to export development and promotion of the country's position as a key player in global trade,' he noted.

'These actions are all geared towards diversifying the UAE’s exports as well as its international trade partners, by supporting a much wider range of industries to increase their export capabilities,' he added.

Mahmood also pointed out that the government drafted resolutions, laws, legislations and measures aimed at developing the export infrastructure, increasing production and export volumes, opening new markets for these products and improving the competitiveness of UAE exports.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin, assistant director general for Economic and International Affairs, SCCI, said the development of exports and domestic goods and the opening of new overseas markets, represents one of the major strategic objectives of the chamber, an objective which is also pursued by the government of UAE in general and Sharjah in particular.

This is being achieved by launching initiatives, through diversification of activities and organizing and participating in events that help increase exports and contribute to satisfactory, progressive and ambitious growth rates, he added.

The workshop reflects an aspect of this work because of its immense importance in shedding light on the nature of foreign markets, within the framework of the global trading system, as well as presenting the requirements and mechanisms that help to develop exports, the official noted.

'The ultimate goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE with regard to export and investments,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service