UAE and Italy sign MoU to enable scientific research tools to support growth of future economic sectors in both countries

H.E. Bin Touq: MoU the latest step in the two countries' partnership to enhance the contribution of research to sustainable economic development

The Ministry of Economy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Research Council of Italy to promote cooperation, exchange of knowledge and expertise, develop joint programmes and projects in the fields of scientific research, and support researchers in the new economic sectors of the two countries. The signing ceremony, held at the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, was attended by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. The memorandum was signed by the representative of the Ministry of Economy, H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry; and Professor Maria Chiara Carrozza, President of the Italian National Research Council (CNR), in the presence of a number of officials from both sides.

Commenting on the partnership, H.E. Bin Touq said: “The UAE-Italian relations are established on firm foundations of friendship and cooperation in various fields and the two countries share many future visions. These are reflected in the many partnerships between the two sides in the areas of the new economy such as innovation, entrepreneurship, circular economy and its digital applications, technology, and advanced industries. Today, we are taking another new step forward through this MoU, which aims to enhance the contribution of scientific research and modern science to sustainable economic development efforts based on knowledge, innovation, and technology.”

H.E. added: “This MoU complements the tireless efforts of both countries to facilitate joint cooperation in future sectors. Using scientific research tools, we will work to measure strengths in promising knowledge-based growth opportunities in the two countries' markets and develop a forward-looking scientific vision for the future of various economic sectors, thus supporting the UAE’s vision in light of the targets of the 50. We look forward to making the optimal use of this MoU’s outputs and its contribution to the development and diversification of economic partnerships between the UAE and Italy during the next phase.”

Meanwhile, Professor Maria Chiara Carrozza said that this agreement would create a new framework for cooperation between the two countries that will help develop joint cooperation programmes and projects in the field of scientific research. She explained that the MoU will allow more than 8,000 researchers and academics in the two countries to share their experiences and ideas in several areas that would support the transition to a resilient and sustainable economic model.

She further pointed out that the National Research Council of Italy is the country's largest public research institution, featuring many disciplines focusing on promoting innovation, research and development, and technology in development.

The MoU’s main objective is to support joint scientific research programmes in areas that serve the sectors of the future economy, most notably: renewable energy, technology, food security, space, and modern agricultural technology, as well as other areas of mutual interest. It also aims to promote exchange of visits by faculty and academia in the two countries in the next phase.

Under the terms of the Agreement, a scientific committee comprising representatives of the UAE Ministry of Economy and the National Research Council of Italy will be established to oversee the implementation of the Agreement’s outputs and promote cooperation between researchers and research centers in the two countries. The committee will also be tasked with the evaluation of joint cooperation activities and the identification of potential partner entities.