Abu Dhabi-Berlin Forum kicks off

The Abu Dhabi-Berlin Economic Forum was opened today by Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development , Nasser Ahmed Al Suwaidi, at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel in Abu Dhabi, in presence of Klaus Wowereit, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, who leads a large delegation of senior German officials and businessmen is his current visit to the country.In his opening speech of the Forum, Nasser Al Suwaidi described the bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Federal Republic of Germany as strategic, deep and strong, based on various common interests and reciprocal economic ties, backed by the solid belief of the leaders and the governments of the two friendly countries. Al Suwaidi stressed that the current sage comprises an important milestone in furthering, and broadening horizons of cooperation and partnership, between private sectors, companies, businessmen and investors of both sides.

Al Suwaidi pointed out that the forum provides an ideal opportunity for Abu Dhabi government agencies, private sector and national companies, to meet sister associates on the German side, particularly the Berlin-based companies, to discuss aspects of joint cooperation and investment opportunities provided by Abu Dhabi and Berlin development and investments projects in various sectors, most importantly the biotechnological field.

Al Suwaidi explained that Abu Dhabi Government is certain that the next phase of overall economic development as stated by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 will focus on the transformation to a knowledge-based economy, which will depend mainly on knowledge and technology transfer, and utilization of best practices and international experiences of developed countries. H.E noted that Germany is advanced and developed in this area, and encourages foreign investments in this vital sector, stating that Abu Dhabi offers a package of leading projects in alternative energy, petrochemicals, steel industries, transportation, logistic services, clean technology, aerospace and other manufacturing industries.

the Chairman of the Department of Economic Development said that tourism will expectedly contribute to strengthening ties between Abu Dhabi and Berlin in the light of the huge investment projects in this sector, notably, the tourism projects in Saadiyat Island, including the cultural district and famous international museums.

Al Suwaidi said that UAE has become an important trade partner in the Middle East for the Federal Republic of Germany, which turned as one of UAE's largest trading partners during the past few years, pointing out that Abu Dhabi exports to Germany rose in 2012 by 29% compared to 2011.

Al Suwaidi hailed the growing relation between the UAE and Germany, in recent years which was a natural outcome of the strategic agreement signed between the two governments in 2004, noting in this context, the role of the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK), since its establishment in 2009, in contributing to the development of bilateral relations between the two countries in many areas, particularly industry and trade.

Al Suwaidi commended the recent high level visits of the leaders of both countries and their role in bolstering and furthering bilateral relations, referring to the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy SupremeRacing Archives