Economic Integration Committee holds second meeting of 2025, explores 'Year of Community' initiatives

H.E. Bin Touq: UAE continues to enhance its legislative and executive frameworks while also launching new initiatives and development programs that drive economic growth & diversification.

The Economic Integration Committee held its second meeting of 2025 chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and with the participation of H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship. It was attended by representatives of local economic development departments in all emirates. The Committee reviewed the progress made on the recommendations from its first meeting of the year and discussed key priorities to enhance economic integration and ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s business ecosystem.

H.E. Bin Touq said: "The UAE continues to enhance its legislative and executive frameworks while also launching new initiatives and development programs that drive economic growth and diversification." H.E. emphasized the Committee’s role in ensuring policy and legislative alignment between federal and local entities and in fostering collaboration to realize national initiatives and objectives. These efforts, he added, contribute to reinforcing the UAE’s competitive economic model, centered on innovation, openness, and sustainability, while further solidifying its status as a global economic hub in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.

The Minister of Economy continued: "Today’s discussions contribute to developing new frameworks for economic integration and enhancing the competitiveness of economic policies in the UAE. The meeting reviewed several key national priorities, including updates on consumer protection regulations and measures to boost market transparency and competitiveness. It also addressed future steps to establish a unified and reliable business licenses database across the seven emirates via the National Economic Register, streamlining registration procedures and economic activity requirements through a single national portal."

Enhancing economic policies & consumer protection measures ahead of Ramadan

During the meeting, the Committee evaluated latest national efforts to regulate markets and ensure a stable supply of goods ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The Committee reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the availability of essential consumer goods at fair prices while reinforcing regulatory measures to stabilize local markets and protect consumer rights. Additionally, participants reviewed progress on the newly implemented national pricing policy and examined the oversight mechanisms designed to ensure market compliance with its guidelines.

Furthermore, discussions covered new frameworks and tools designed to enhance data security and privacy, preventing consumer information from being used for marketing purposes without explicit consent, particularly given the proliferation of telemarketing and digital platforms.

Advancing green economy and innovation policies

The Committee affirmed its support for the Year of Community 2025, declared by the UAE President, through policies promoting a sustainable, diversified economy. These efforts aim to serve all community segments, enhance participation in economic and social development, and boost the socio-economic impact of economic activities. The meeting also emphasized the importance of fostering green economy initiatives, driving innovation, and empowering startups and SMEs to tap into diverse economic opportunities.

CEPA developments

The latest Committee meeting discussed recent updates on the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with India, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Georgia, and Colombia, emphasizing their role in expanding opportunities for UAE businesses, facilitating trade, and opening new markets for national industries. It emphasized the importance of expanding the CEPA network in 2025 to include more countries, aligning with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which seeks to elevate the nation’s non-oil foreign trade value to AED 4 trillion.

Reviewing company integration with the National Economic Register

In another context, the Committee reviewed the latest developments related to linking corporate financial statements with the National Economic Register. Discussions included an assessment of collectable financial data, a review of supporting legislation, and an evaluation of current processes to enhance financial and economic integration within the UAE. The possibility of organizing a workshop to discuss data collection implementation with relevant authorities was also explored.

Enhancing legislative frameworks for new economy

The Committee reiterated its commitment to advancing the UAE’s business landscape by updating regulatory frameworks and adopting policies that reinforce the nation’s leadership in proactive economic legislation for emerging industries, thereby achieving the national target of securing a top global ranking in economic regulatory innovation by the next decade, in line with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the fourth edition of Investopia 2025, set to take place in Abu Dhabi on February 26-27. The Committee reviewed the event’s agenda, including panel discussions and global investment forums, and emphasized its importance in enhancing the UAE’s economic competitiveness and strengthening its position as a key destination for business and investment in the new economy sectors.