H E Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, discussed with Ajman Chamber officials the prospects for joint cooperation and the proper means to support efforts to attract investments to UAE, as well as the foreign promotions and the opening of new markets for local products and UAE exports. They also reviewed Ajman opportunities for commercial expansion abroad under the umbrella of federal authorities. H E Dr Thani Al-Zeyoudi was received during his visit to the Chamber today, by HE Abdullah Al Muwaiji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting was also attended by H E Salem Al-Suwaidi, General Manager of Ajman Chamber, Nasser Al-Dhafari, Executive Director of Members Support and Innovation Sector, Mohammed Al Janahi, Executive Director of Trade Development and International Relations Sector, Marawan Hareb Al-Ariani, Director of Promotion and International Relations Department, and Abdullah Abdul Mohsen Al Nuaimi, Director of Member Relations and Support at Ajman Chamber. At the outset of the meeting, HE Abdullah Al Muwaiji welcomed HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, and underlined the importance of this meeting, which reflects the approach of the State to increase direct communication and cooperation between federal and local authorities to improve the national economy by exchanging visions and discussing future trends to support the competitiveness of UAE economy. During the meeting, H E Dr Thani Al-Zeyoudi stressed the significance for close and continuing communication with the private sector and the business community in the UAE, whether directly or through the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the State, as part of the Ministry of Economy's efforts to uplift the national economy and improve the business and investment environment in the UAE. H E stressed that the private sector plays an important role in the prosperity of foreign trade in the State, as well as in attracting foreign investment and seizing profitable investment opportunities around the world. For this reason, we consider the private sector a key partner in our efforts to stimulate sustainable economic growth, and we always strive to solve the obstacles faced by the business sector. We seek close and continuing communication with with sector officials and representatives to help overcome any challenges that might hamper its development and prosperity. He added: "The Ministry of Economy continues to implement its strategic plans to open new markets for the UAE companies, and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India is just an example of the success of these efforts, and more similar agreements will soon come into being.” H E Dr Thani Al-Zeyoudi called upon businessmen and the private sector to take advantage of the services provided by the government authorities that supply them with a variety of instruments to help them improve their businesses in order to support their cash flows and improve their business and investment activities, such as Etihad Credit Insurance, Abu Dhabi Exports Office, and Emirates Development Bank services, both in terms of bank accounts or finance. In conclusion, H E expressed his pleasure with this meeting and his aspiration to hold more meetings in the future. For his part, H E Abdullah Al Muwaiji, Chairman of Ajman Chamber, commended the efforts being made by the Ministry of Economy to develop and improve foreign trade in the State, attract investments, and create a positive and supporting environment for the expansion of global partnerships. This shall confirm the UAE position and reputation as a leading investment destination ready to take its place regionally and globally. He also stressed the state efforts to attract and recruit human competencies and talents being the backbone of the development of all sectors. He added: "The State economy is characterized by integration and the exploitation of available opportunities and resources provided by each emirate to enhance the State competitiveness in attracting direct investment. The Ministry of Economy has a major role to play in diversifying the available investments in each emirate. The significant growth that our country witnesses in the volume of its foreign trade requires all federal and local authorities to intensify their efforts, highlight the available opportunities to support the local product, open new markets thereto, and work together to provide supporting studies and data to current and potential investors. This aims to expanding and creating new investment opportunities based on the direction of the global economy based on innovation and diversity.” H E Abdullah Al Muwaiji confirmed that Ajman Chamber, under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami, member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of emirate of Ajman, and His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al-Nuami, Crown Prince of Ajman, Chairman of the Executive Council, is very keen to be permanently present among State foreign delegations to review its investment opportunities in various industrial, commercial, service, tourism, health, education, and other sectors, and to open new foreign markets for the products made in the emirate. At the meeting, H E Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi was briefed on the growth of Ajman economy and the efforts exerted by local authorities concerned with economy to provide a positive and supporting environment for the growth and sustainability of the enterprises operating in the emirate on the one hand, and attract new investors and enterprises to start-up their business in the emirate on the other hand. H E also reviewed the economic growth data witnessed by the emirate during 2021 in the amounts of certificates of origin issued by Ajman Chamber amounting to approximately AED 9.5 billion compared to approximately AED 4.8 billion in 2020 at a growth rate of 99%. The value of export products also increased by 32% during 2021, where ship and boat products ranked first in Ajman's foreign exports during 2021, followed by fish products. Ajman is also characterized by a diversified and promising industrial sector with 1,063 factories. The industrial sector contributes more than 19% to Ajman's GDP. This shall enhance the chances of opening new markets for Ajman products.