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In order to commemorate 10 years of strategic partnership and 5 year anniversary of the establishment of the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK), an Economic Strategy Conference was held alongside AHK’s Annual General Meeting at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi on 14 October 2014.
The conference was graced by the presence of H.E. Eng. Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Alshehhi, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Economy who delivered the key note speech. Other speakers included H.E Dr Eckhard Lübkemeier, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UAE, H.E Saeed Al Fahim, Chairman of the German Emirati Joint Council (AHK), Dr Volker Treier, Deputy CEO of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in Berlin and Dr Peter Göpfrich, CEO of AHK.
The aim of the conference was to discuss how the existing relationship between German and UAE can be further deepened and strengthened by proceeding to next levels such as production, which would be a major milestone. The upcoming EXPO2020 in Dubai focuses on the themes of Innovation and Sustainability which offers German companies immense opportunities to transfer their renowned knowhow and expertise in these fields.
Interesting panel discussions ensued on Challenges and Opportunities for German UAE Joint Ventures, Investments and Cooperation leading to Industrial Cooperation beyond Trade. Another focus point was the successful and acclaimed German Vocational Training and Further Education – A model for the UAE. Vocational Training is the backbone of the German economy and behind the success of Germany’s famous ‘Mittelstand’ or SME. Initiatives are underway to introduce a similar model tailored to the needs of the UAE.
The event also saw the launch of the logo ‘Tadreeb Made in Germany’ (Training Made in Germany) and representatives of leading German companies introduced the various activities that are currently ongoing under this brand.
The panel discussions were led and moderated by experts representing different industries from Airlines to Insurance to Investment Agencies.
UAE is Germany’s first and most important trade partner in the Arab World with bilateral trade worth approximately EUR 10.74 billion in 2013and a number of direct bilateral investments being concluded in the past years. An estimated 1,000 German companies employing over 48,000 staff are currently based in the UAE and contribute to the excellent business and trade relations between the two countries.
The German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK) is a bilateral membership organization established in 2009 to promote and support the trade relations between Germany and the UAE.
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