Dubai, 14 October 2010: Emirates Competitiveness Council (ECC) last week hosted Deborah Wince-Smith, President of the US Council on Competitiveness, with both sides holding a series of meetings with government officials from the different emirates.
Talks addressed key issues relating to the achievement of a competitive economy based on knowledge, in accordance with the UAE Vision 2021. In addition, discussions also focused on the exchange of information and experiences that would help promote innovation within the UAE economy to encourage more rapid growth and prosperity at a regional and international level.
The visit comes as part of ongoing cooperative efforts between the Emirates Competitiveness Council and its American counterpart since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in June last year, which aims at strengthening strategic partnership and exchange of information and experience in accordance with best international practices, in order to elevate UAE’s competitiveness globally.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, ECC Secretary General said, “The UAE is witnessing a number of developments at all levels, especially in the area of innovation, placing it among the world’s most developed countries, as classified by top international reports. This requires us at ECC to promote UAE’s competitiveness through establishing strategic partnerships with international organizations experienced in the sphere of competitiveness, in order to achieve the vision of our wise leadership and the ambitious plans of all UAE nationals.”
"ECC continues to work hard to execute the MoU signed with USCC and its membership in the Global Competitiveness Council. These agreements are allowing UAE nationals to interact with global experts in order to help build their capacities, as well as provide ongoing support and training in enhancing the competitiveness of all sectors in the UAE,” he added.
Deborah Wince-Smith, President of the US Council on Competitiveness commended the UAE Vision 2021, saying: "This vision is not just a theoretical document meant to be read, but is a realistic expression of future plans to achieve sustainable development. This document states that strengthening competitiveness is a basic necessity because it will ensure the execution of the largest number of projects and initiatives in the long run."
Wince praised the developments that UAE has witnessed at all levels and described them as "highly creative” considering the relatively short time involved in conceptualizing and implementing them.
The meetings were attended by government officials from ministries and federal and local entities from different emirates, and discussions focused on the importance of strengthening scientific and technical cooperation to improve competitiveness standards and strategies in the UAE. This will help support the growth of the economic, service and social sectors through the use of clear strategies.
Attendees stressed the importance of exchanging information and experience, as well as training nationals and building their capacities, in order to achieve the required flexibility to face any future challenges affecting competitiveness.
The American Council on Competitiveness was founded in Washington in 1986, and comprises a group of chief executives and directors of universities. The Council aims to integrate business leaders, academics and government officials in assessing the challenges and opportunities in the field of competitiveness through a network of relations, organizing conferences and preparing reports. The Council submits its recommendations on issues related to competitiveness to the US government, media and decision makers on a regular basis.
