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India, UAE target $250 bn in bilateral trade

A UAE delegation will pay a visit to India from May 12-15 to showcase the potential of the agreements signed with India, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Monday expressed hope that India and UAE will achieve USD 250 billion in bilateral trade in goods and services.

“We are not in the game for a 100-billion-dollar trade in 2030. We are in the game for maybe 100 billion dollars each way in the next 6-7 years. We are in the game for at least 250 billion dollars’ bilateral trade in goods and services,” Piyush Goyal said at a press conference here.

“We have opened up services in a big way. The growing role of services in both economies will give a big thrust to our bilateral engagements in the years to come,” he added.

Goyal had earlier announced the unveiling of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). India-UAE CEPA was signed on February 18 in New Delhi during the India-UAE Virtual Summit.

He termed the agreement as the ‘defining strategic partnership of the 21st century’.

The minister said that the agreement sets the tone for the new direction, a paradigm shift in the India-UAE relationship.

“A journey that started with an interim agreement covering maybe 100-200 lines culminated in a comprehensive economic partnership with many firsts to its credit. The time taken for it was only 88 days,” he said.

UAE Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi underlined the importance of CEPA.

Thanking, UAE Trade Minister, Goyal said no issue had been left pending by the UAE leadership concerning the agreement.

“There was never an issue which was kept pending, resolving them on a real-time basis, that’s the leadership Dr Thani demonstrated, which in a way we are celebrating today. We have released that text yesterday. It has all been timed beautifully by our leaders and by our teams. The entire text is in the public domain,” he said.

ALSO READ: Skills project launched for Indians in UAE

Goyal added that the CEPA agreement between India and UAE will become the template for several more agreements.

“It’s one of the most outstanding agreements and I promise you, it will become the template for several more which UAE may do, that India may do, that other third countries may do. This will be emulated,” Goyal said.

Largest CEPA

Underlining the importance of trade ties with India, Al Zeyoudi said the India-UAE CEPA is the largest agreement that the middle eastern country will sign.

“I don’t see any agreement bigger than the one with India. India-UAE CEPA is the largest agreement of CEPA that we are going to sign,” said UAE Trade Minister during a press conference in Dubai.

“This is based on a scientific and economic model. The highest and greatest impact of any CEPA that we are going to sign is coming from the Indian CEPA,” he added.

Al Zeyoudi announced that a UAE delegation will pay a visit to India from May 12-15 to showcase the potential of the agreements signed with India.

Start-up hub

Goyal said India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and the target is to acquire the number one position.

“The outstanding success stories of over 92 Unicorns is something that makes every Indian proud of their work. Today we are the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world but our aspiration is to be the world’s number one startup destination,” Goyal said while addressing UAE-India Start-up Forum 2022 in Abu Dhabi.

“India offers one of the best ecosystems for startups with a special ‘jugalbandi’ or blends between investors and entrepreneurs to get a balanced outcome and achieve a win-win solution for all. I have seen tremendous response from the Dubai Expo where our startups have got the opportunity to raise finances, sign MoUs and get angel investments. All these aspects will help strengthen India’s strong bond of friendship with the UAE,” Goyal said.

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‘Shaping a better future for humankind’

Sheikh Mohammed’s comments came on the occasion of the launch of the World Government Summit 2022 that features the participation of thought leaders and decision makers from around the world, reports Asian Lite News

The World Government Summit provides a platform to discuss new ideas and insights that can shape a better future for humankind and raise the readiness of governments to navigate current and future changes, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed’s comments came on the occasion of the launch of the World Government Summit 2022 that features the participation of thought leaders and decision makers from around the world.

Sheikh Mohammed said, “The UAE is keen to share its development experience with other countries, as part of its constant endeavour to support initiatives aimed at advancing human prosperity. Our country will continue to support all forward-looking initiatives that aim to create a brighter future for our planet.”

He explained the Summit is an annual event that seeks to foster cooperation between world governments by creating a forum for sharing best practices and experiences in transforming government systems and models.

Sheikh Mohammed continued, “Through the process of anticipating the future and enhancing readiness to navigate future change, governments can develop effective strategies and policies for sustainable growth and development. Being aware of what awaits us in the future enables us to develop more advanced systems that can accelerate progress.”

In today’s evolving environment, governments need to innovate to raise their ability to embrace change and meet the needs of the people.

“The hopes of billions of people depend on the strategies, initiatives and proactive solutions provided by governments to face current and future challenges,” he noted.

The World Government Summit embodies the vision of Sheikh Mohammed to create a global platform dedicated to shaping future governments. The Summit seeks to set the agenda for leaders and policymakers to debate on how the next generation of governments can harness innovation and technology to solve the challenges facing humanity today and in the future.

Since its inception, the Summit has championed the mission of shaping future governments and creating a better future for humanity. Past editions of the Summit have developed new models to collaborate on an international playing field to inspire and enable the next generation of governments.

Held under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’, the World Government Summit 2022 brings thought leaders, global experts and decision makers from around the globe to share and contribute to the development of tools, policies, and models that are essential in shaping future governments.

‘Arab youth are quick, tech-savvy, and proactive’

Policy and education leaders said that Arab youth need the opportunity to engage in the policymaking process to develop resilient mindsets and harness the full potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

These calls to empower young citizens came during the first session in the Arab Youth Leaders Meeting, organised by the Arab Youth Center (AYC). It was supported by the Arab League and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, with the participation of youth ministers, youth workers, and multilateral organisations.

The session, entitled ‘Empowering Workers and Building Capacity in the Youth Work Sector’, took place as part of the World Government Summit 2022 at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Policy experts highlighted key gaps and recommendations to support the professional development of young Arabs. The discussion was held between Dr. Ali Al Lawati, President of the Royal Academy of Management in Oman, Dr. Abdullah Al Ghamdi, CEO of Education for Employment Foundation – KSA, and Dr. Mishaal Al Subaie, Deputy Director-General of the Youth Development Sector and the Youth Projects Sector in Kuwait.

Discussing the challenges facing young people, Dr. Al Lawati said, “The fourth industrial revolution is not technical or political, it is social, and it is being driven by young people. They are more tech-savvy than governments, but we cannot address the challenge of developing young people with skills training alone. The new generation is digitally connected but socially disconnected, and in today’s digital economy, character traits are more important than skills.”

For his part, Dr. Al Ghamdi emphasised the need to engage young people in developing the policies that will impact them.

Al Subaie stressed the importance of recognising the varying needs of young people.

‘Youth and sustainable development’

Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice President of the Arab Youth Center (AYC) said that government institutions have a duty to provide youth with skills and opportunities to become drivers of sustainable human, economic and governmental development.

Speaking today during the ‘Power of the Youth: The Multiplier Effect’ session, held as part of the inaugural Arab Meeting for Young Leaders, at the World Government Summit (WGS2022), Al Mazrouei said, “When we are confident and driven by our belief in the youth, we can make a great impact.

“Our mission today and every day is to always have their best interests in mind, to preserve the sparkle in their eyes, and invest for their benefit and the benefit of our countries.”

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Arab News Dubai UAE News

Hamdan: WGS 2022 reflects vision of Sheikh Mohammed for innovation-driven future-ready government

The Crown Prince said the Summit will generate innovative ideas and solutions to resolve challenges facing governments across the world…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, said that the World Government Summit (WGS) reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to foster the development of an innovation-driven government that is ready to embrace the future.

“The Summit brings together a large group of thought leaders and decision makers from across the world to discuss ideas that can shape a new future for government,” he noted.

The Crown Prince today visited the pre-summit day of the WGS 2022 held at Expo 2020 Dubai, where he attended a session titled ‘The Long View: Lessons from Investment Leaders’ moderated by John Defterios. The session featured addresses by Larry Fink, CEO of Blackrock, and Khaldoon Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala. Sheikh Hamdan also attended the “Ministerial Session: The Arab Youth Ministers”.

The Crown Prince said the Summit will generate innovative ideas and solutions to resolve challenges facing governments across the world and promote a dialogue on new approaches to take advantage of opportunities brought by an evolving environment by harnessing cutting-edge science, knowledge and innovation.

ALSO READ: Hamdan witnesses opening of World Police Summit 2022

Sheikh Hamdan further said, “The Summit reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision to create dynamic government ecosystems with high innovative capabilities that can keep pace with change. The event seeks to bring to the fore new knowledge and insights on enhancing the ability of governments to implement sustainable development strategies that can help nations meet the aspirations of its people and create a bright future for current and future generations.”

The World Government Summit 2022 is set to host more than 4,000 senior government officials, experts and leaders of the private sector from 190 countries. Featuring over 110 interactive sessions, the event brings together more than 30 global organisations to discuss the future of government.

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Arab News Saudi Arabia UAE News

GEC: Reboot, Rethink, Regenerate

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress, hosted in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense aimed at supporting entrepreneurship in various fields and enhancing the Kingdom’s status as an attractive environment for pioneers, innovators and creators in the Middle East and North Africa

Saudi Arabia signed more than 30 agreements and initiatives valued over $4.2 billion on the first day of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The GEC 2022, entitled “Reboot, Rethink, Regenerate,” attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from around the world to meet in person for the first time in over two years.

Saudi Aramco signed ten memoranda of cooperation and two agreements with local and international companies in digital transformation, information technology, and national development, it reported.

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress, hosted in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense aimed at supporting entrepreneurship in various fields and enhancing the Kingdom’s status as an attractive environment for pioneers, innovators and creators in the Middle East and North Africa.
Saudi Aramco signed ten memoranda of cooperation and two agreements with local and international companies in digital transformation, information technology, and national development, while the Social Development Bank signed agreements with several entities including the Royal Commission in Yanbu and the National Entrepreneurship Institute (Riyadah), and announced the launch of several initiatives to support Empowering entrepreneurs valued at more than SR11 billion (around $3 billion).

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia launches visa app for Hajj, Umrah pilgrims in UK
The Saudi Venture Investment Company (SVC) signed agreements with several investment funds at a total of SR2.4 billion (more than $656 million), while SABIC launched the “Nusaned Fund 2″ with Al-Ahly Capital Holding worth SR750 million ($200 million) to support start-up companies and develop the industrial sector.
Cars24, an automotive e-commerce platform, Lenskart, the largest Asian optical eyewear retail chain, and Kitopi, a cloud-kitchen platform, signed memorandums of understanding (MOU) with the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) to support entrepreneurs in specialized fields.


“Monsha’at” also signed a MOU with Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence to launch the “Ruwad” initiative, and another MOU with the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to cooperate in the fields of data, artificial intelligence, and SABIC, to boost cooperation in various initiatives for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises. Moreover, an agreement was also signed with Aljabr Finance Company to finance products for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises, valued at SR20 million riyals ($5.33 million).

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Arab News Health UAE News

Over 3000 people benefits from Thumbay Hospital’s free medical, dental camp

More than 3000 people from 40 different nationalities availed the benefits of Thumbay Hospital Ajman’s (THA) Free Medical and Dental camp at its Al Nuaimia branch held on Sunday, March 20, 2022…reports Asian Lite News

The free mega health camp offered check-ups with consultant specialists and general practitioners in specialties like Cardiology, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Dental, Gynecology, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Dermatology, Family Medicine, Urology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology and Mental Health among others. In addition to this, the camp offered free screenings such as a Blood Sugar, ECG, Ultrasound, Physiotherapy, Eye checkup, Blood pressure, BMI screening & discount on dental procedures and also availed free medicines.

Besides consultations in all specialties, a large number of people visited the mega camp to seek counselling on mental health and dental disorders. Approximately 1,696 male, 804 females and 500 pediatrics patient sought Free Consultations at the facility. In addition, around 22% patients were diagnosed with both high blood pressure and elevated sugar levels. 

THA Mega Health Camp

The camp was officially opened by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, the Founder President of Thumbay Group, in the presence of Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay – Vice President of Thumbay Group’s Healthcare Division, Dr. Mohammad Faisal Parvez – Chief Operating Officer of Thumbay Hospital and other members of Thumbay Group’s administrative team. The Camp was supported by Indian Association Ajman, Indian Association Sharjah, KMCC Ajman, Sharjah Malayali Kootaima and Bearys Cultural Forum Community Dubai

Held from 9 a to 5 pm, the camp saw hundreds of people lined up in queues to avail the benefits of the free camp as all the three hospitals of Thumbay Medicity, viz., Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital and Thumbay Dental Hospital participated to provide patient counselling.

ALSO READ: Nutrient-dense foods to boost health

“Organized as part of our CSR activities, events like these aims to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles, at the same time helping them in early-detection and effective management of health issues, with the help of our doctors and advanced facilities. This is one of the best ways to serve the community of this country, and we do it to the best of our abilities. Thumbay Hospital Ajman is a topnotch healthcare services delivery center, where patients are offered comprehensive packages along with experienced doctors and state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to the specialist medical departments, this hospital also houses an excellent dental center and mental health counselling. Moreover, all major insurance cards are accepted at our facility. In continuation of the free mega medical and dental camp, we are glad to serve the community and be the preferred family hospital for all healthcare needs,” informed Dr. Mohammad Faisal Parvez, Chief Operating Officer, Thumbay Hospital Ajman

Thumbay Healthcare Division has been envisioned as a healthcare destination where patients receive care in a truly restorative environment. In the last 20 successful years of operation, the hospitals have served 6 million patients, conducted 60, 000 deliveries, provided clinical training to Gulf Medical University students and plans to launch autism center dedicated to supporting a child’s diagnosis and navigate his care.

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Arab News Events UAE News

Gulf Medical University Students celebrate cultural diversity

Pavilions were set up by students of UAE, other Middle East Countries, as well as Asian and African countries…reports Asian Lite News

The annual Global Day celebrations of Gulf Medical University (GMU) – Ajman, a leading medical University in the Middle East region was celebrated with fun and frolic at the University campus. Organized each year to acknowledge the cultural diversity of the students and staff of GMU, the event is a festive carnival of cultures and traditions, including students from 90 nationalities that form the student cohort of GMU.

Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU was the chief guest of GMU Global Day 2022. Accompanied by the Vice Chancellors and Deans, the Chancellor toured the exhibition where students had showcased the food and costumes, as well as other exhibits relevant to their culture and history. Country pavilions displaying glimpses from the culture and heritage of various countries and serving traditional food were set up at the University ground. Pavilions were set up by students of UAE, other Middle East Countries, as well as Asian and African countries.

Mr and Miss GMU

More than 3000 attendees including the students and staff of the University as well as their families and friends gathered at the University grounds to join the Global Day celebrations.  During the occasion, the students from 22 colleges competed for the title of ‘Mr and Miss GMU’. Aimed at selecting ambassadors of the university to represent at plenty of occasions, the Mr and Miss GMU competition is a new initiative started this year onwards. Based on the students’ intellectual knowledge on their academic as well as general competence, three faculty judges determined the winners. Mr. Shariq Khan (MBBS student) and Miss Shiza Hajira (ADPCS student) won the crown, respectively, for their stellar performance.

Professor Hossam Hamdy Chancellor with the students

Prof. Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of GMU said: “the annual Global Day was an occasion to celebrate the togetherness of GMU’s students and staff, emphasizing the University’s ‘Unity in Diversity’. Through initiatives like these, we believe in providing exposure to our students that will help them achieve a successful global career.”

The evening also had colorful music and dance performances by the students dressed in their respective traditional attires and entertaining the audience with some great displays of talent. Celebrated every year, the GMU Global Day seeks to admire the unity in cultural diversity of GMU’s student community hailing from over 90 nationalities. The event gives the students an opportunity to display the essence of their ethnicities and cultures, at the same time getting to know and appreciate each other’s culture.

ALSO READ: MBRSC, Khalifa University to collaborate on lunar mission

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-Top News India News UAE News

Skills project launched for Indians in UAE

The Indian authorities signed a Member of Understanding with various companies to facilitate the economic and management support of TEJAS (Training for Emirates Jobs And Skills), a Skill India International project to train overseas Indians…reports Asian Lite News

The MoU was signed between India’s National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Gulf counties based EFS, Dulsco, Artificial Intelligence Organization, FutureMilez, Lulu International Exchange, EDI and Prime Health Group in the presence of Union Minister for Information and Technology Anurag Thakur at the Dubai Expo 2020.

“India’s youth not only contributes towards nation-building but also the largest skilled manpower in the world… TEJAS is launched to provide high-quality skills as per global standards. Even during the pandemic, the workforce has been skilled, certified and employed,” said Anurag Thakur at the event.

The Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan speaking at the event through video conferencing expressed confidence India becoming the Skill Capital of the world.

“India will soon become the Skill Capital of the world. India’s skilled workforce is scripting India’s growth story and also contributing to the world economy,” said Pradhan.

The Consulate General of India to Dubai Aman Puri said that TEJAS will act as a pathway between India and UAE.

ALSO READ: India-UAE CEPA to become operational in a month

“TEJAS will create pathways between India-UAE and enable the Indian workforce to be equipped with the skills required for the market in the UAE,” said Puri.

The project is aimed at skilling, certification and overseas employment of Indians. TEJAS is aimed at creating pathways to enable the Indian workforce to get equipped for skill and market requirements in UAE, according to a press statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The six-month-long Dubai Expo that commenced in October last year witnessed the participation of as many as 192 countries. Fifteen states and nine central ministries from India are participating in this expo, which will be ending on March 31, 2022. (ANI)

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-Top News Iraq UAE News

Sheikh Mohammed meets Iraqi Kurdistan PM

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai met with Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government…reports Asian Lite News

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani explored new avenues to strengthen bilateral relations between the UAE and Iraq, particularly the Kurdistan Region, in various fields to serve the development goals of both nations.

Sheikh Mohammed meets Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (WAM)

Welcoming the Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the strong relationship between the UAE and Iraq. The two sides also discussed a number of regional and global topics of mutual interest.

Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government expressed his happiness at meeting H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and highlighted the close bilateral relations between the UAE and the Kurdistan region in Iraq. He expressed the hope that the visit will usher in a new phase of cooperation across various key sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed meets Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (WAM)

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

On Sunday morning, Sharjah Ruler Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi received Masrour Barzani.

ALSO READ: Sheikh Mohammed tours India Pavilion

Dr. Sheikh Sultan exchanged joint conversations with Barzani on various topics concerning education, culture, development, and others issues, in addition to discussing opportunities to deepen the relations and enhance cooperation between the two states.

The two sides also discussed the cultural experience of Sharjah, that spans over 40 years, and which was reflected in the level of civilisation and the high position that Sharjah assumed regionally and globally.

At the end of the meeting, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Barzani exchanged gifts and souvenirs.

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India News UAE News

Lulu invests 3,500cr in Tamil Nadu

The Chief Minister also invited industrialists from the UAE to invest in food processing, hospitality, food parks, and real estate sectors in Tamil Nadu….reports Asian Lite News

 The multibillion-dollar Lulu group of Keralite NRI businessman M.A. Yusuf Ali will be investing Rs 3,500 crore in Tamil Nadu. This was announced by the group chairman and Managing Director M.A. Yusuf Ali while attending the investors’ meet of Tamil Nadu in Dubai.

The meet was organised by the Tamil Nadu state government on Saturday. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, who is on a four-day tour of the Middle East to scout investments, was present at the meet.

The Lulu group will build two shopping malls and an export-oriented food processing unit.

The group, according to a statement from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s office will ink the Memorandum of Understanding on Monday in Abu Dhabi. The Lulu group Chairman M.A. Yusuf Ali in a statement said that the group would commence construction of the malls soon and will provide employment to 5,000 people in the two malls.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in his speech said that ever since he assumed office as the Chief Minister, the state has signed 124 MoU’s attracting an investment of 8 billion dollars creating employment opportunities for 20,000 people.

He said that the target of a trillion economy by 2030 is achievable and that the state has chalked out several programmes and activities, including developing infrastructure, upskilling the workforce to improve productivity, and taking up measures to attract investments in new sectors like electric vehicles, technical textiles, and other sectors.

The Chief Minister also invited industrialists from the UAE to invest in food processing, hospitality, food parks, and real estate sectors in Tamil Nadu.

He also appealed to the investors from Dubai to invest in a massive furniture park that was coming up at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

M.K. Stalin told investors that the state is well-posed for good growth and that the state has a positive GDP growth rate of 5.8 per cent when compared to negative growth in many other economies. He also said the mission of the Tamil Nadu government was to attract massive investments in manufacturing and service sectors and develop the state into a massive investment hub.

ALSO READ: None can play ducks and drakes with Bangladesh: Hasina

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Africa News UAE News

Dubai Ruler Visits Namibia Pavilion

Sheikh Mohammed and Geingob then took a tour of the Namibia pavilion, which highlights the country’s potential to generate sufficient and sustainable energy for both domestic consumption and export…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today met with Hage Geingob, President of Namibia, and Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, at Expo 2020 Dubai.

During a meeting held at the Namibia pavilion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and President Hage Geingob discussed bilateral ties between the two countries and their shared desire to explore new partnership opportunities that will further strengthen bridges of cooperation between Africa and the Gulf region and increase the volumes of trade and investment. The meeting also explored new avenues to share expertise across various sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed and Geingob then took a tour of the Namibia pavilion, which highlights the country’s potential to generate sufficient and sustainable energy for both domestic consumption and export, as well as the various investment opportunities it offers. His Highness was briefed about the country’s vast open spaces, abundant and diverse biodiversity and wildlife, rich cultural diversities and valuable traditional knowledge.

During his meeting with the President of Guyana at his country’s pavilion, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of Guyana’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai, which offers both countries an opportunity to explore new avenues to expand economic and cultural ties. The mega event serves as a platform for nations across the world to explore partnerships that will help shape a better future for humanity, His Highness noted.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali commended the UAE’s inspiring development model, which has enabled it to achieve top rankings in international competitiveness indexes. The President of Guyana also expressed his best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE and its people.

Sheikh Mohammed then toured the pavilion of Guyana, which showcases the country as a leading eco-tourism destination and highlights its Green State Development Strategy as a pathway for sustainable and inclusive development. The pavilion also highlights the country’s economic features, which has enabled it to emerge as one of the fastest growing nations in the world.

During his visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also toured the pavilion of Palestine, located at the Opportunity District. The pavilion highlights the Palestinian identity and narrative through a showcase of the country’s culture, history, civilisation, traditions, holy places, and its capital Jerusalem. The first exhibit in the pavilion recreates the feel of the old city of Jerusalem, with its narrow alleyways and decorative arches and screens. Stone slabs imported from the city complete the effect.

Moreover, Sheikh Mohammed visited the Austria pavilion, located at the Opportunity District. Under the theme ‘Austria Makes Sense’, the pavilion combines people, technology, and the environment in an engaging experience for all senses.

Another stop during His Highness’s tour at Expo 2020 Dubai was the Colombia pavilion, which showcases how music connects the nation to a thriving future of culture, innovation, and urban growth. The pavilion’s airy, free-ranging design represents Colombia itself, open and unbounded.

ALSO READ: 25 African nations ‘least’ water-secure