An Abu Dhabi economic delegation, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has concluded a successful visit to Italy, securing several key agreements aimed at accelerating growth in entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing, and agricultural technology.
The delegation, which included over 100 senior representatives from entities like the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Hub71, ADGM, and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, engaged in high-level meetings with Italian government officials, business leaders, family offices, and investors to explore new avenues for collaboration and investment.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The visit was highlighted by the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Milan, co-organized by ADIO and ADDED. The event featured keynote speeches from prominent figures including Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED; Abdullah Ali Al Subousi, UAE Ambassador to Italy; and Alvise Bivio, President of Assolombarda, Italy’s largest entrepreneurship association.
“We are delighted with the positive outcomes of our visit to Italy, which included commitments to accelerate the growth of priority sectors for both sides,” stated Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi. He emphasized that the discussions focused on creating practical avenues to expand cooperation by leveraging mutual opportunities in Abu Dhabi, Italy, and other economies.
Strategic Pacts to Fuel Innovation
During the forum, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) signed two significant agreements to enhance commercial exchange and industrial cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Milan.
The first agreement with Assolombarda will focus on promoting collaboration in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital transformation. The second, with Confagricoltura, the confederation of Italian agricultural companies, aims to support innovation and resilience within the value chain of Abu Dhabi’s Food and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster. These partnerships underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building long-term relationships with leading European economies.
Digitizing Trade and Customs
In a move to streamline international trade, Abu Dhabi Customs signed a cooperation document with its Italian counterpart. The agreement is designed to enhance trade facilitation through secure, efficient, and transparent customs operations.
A key objective is the joint development of a trusted “digital trade corridor” to enable the instant and secure exchange of customs data, thereby improving trade efficiency and competitiveness. During the visit, Abu Dhabi Customs also showcased its advanced, AI-supported customs clearance systems.
Engaging the Private Sector
The broader Abu Dhabi ecosystem was actively involved in fostering connections. Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, presented its initiatives to support the growth of promising startups by connecting them with investors, partners, and the emirate’s thriving market.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry facilitated private sector engagement by organizing roundtable sessions with leaders from 18 major Italian family offices and holding bilateral meetings with prominent companies such as Enel, Saipem, and Caracol. These discussions explored opportunities for leveraging Abu Dhabi’s supportive business environment for long-term expansion.
About Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is mandated to drive sustainable economic development in the emirate. ADDED focuses on accelerating economic transformation through specialized clusters, including the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI), the Food and Water Abundance cluster (AGWA), and clusters for Health (HELM) and FinTech (FIDA). These initiatives aim to contribute AED 284 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, create over 130,000 jobs, and attract more than AED 217 billion in investment by 2035.
Source: 24.ae
