The UAE Ministry of Economy and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) launched the Global Future Trade Leaders Programme – a national initiative aimed at boosting the engagement of young government officials in various sectors of the nation’s foreign trade agenda.
The programme builds on the central role of foreign trade for the UAE leadership as it seeks to diversify the economy, fast-track GDP growth, and facilitate next-generation talent and innovation, which has been translated through the country’s programme of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in recent months. CEPA has reduced trade barriers and strengthened ties with strategic nations, leading to record growth in non-oil trade volume by 14.4%, reaching more than Dh1.2 trillion during the first half of 2023.
“The programme embodies the UAE’s proactive approach to change and will significantly contribute to our commitment to cultivating a modern, inclusive and sustainable global trading system that benefits all nations,” said Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and MC13 Chair. “Trade is the engine of growth, and by involving a new generation of UAE trade leaders in high-level programmes and key global forums, such as the MC13 in February, we are demonstrating our national commitment to trade as a unifying force for global economic progress.”
The training programme features both knowledge-based and experiential learning. It aims to provide its participants with the specialised knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to participate effectively in these successes today and in the future.
A total of 30 young Emiratis currently working in federal and local government entities, UAE free zones, and other related agencies engaged in global trade are enrolled in the programme that will last three months.
“The UAE continues strengthening its position as a global hub for trade, business, and investments,” said Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED. “We believe the Future UAE Global Trade Leaders Programme will equip our young talents with the skills to ensure an impactful legacy for the UAE at the international trade stage, contributing to our transition to a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy.”
He added that this programme is vital to strengthening and diversifying the economy and ensuring that the UAE has the right talents and skills to maintain its position as a global trade leader.
The Global Future Trade Leaders Programme will see candidates benefit from a series of masterclass sessions led by experts from international and national entities, including the WTO, World Economic Forum, UNCTAD, OECD and Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, covering a range of trade-related topics from trade policy and financing to digital and sustainable trade. They will also have the opportunity to network with senior UAE government officials.
The programme will also provide hands-on training to candidates through several site visits to the UAE’s leading trade organisations, including Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, in addition to networking sessions with a number of the UAE’s foreign business councils.