ABU DHABI, July 8th, 2013 (WAM)– Tawazun Economic Council hosted today at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi a workshop for more than 20 UAE-based aerospace and defense companies to update them about BAE Systems-led consortium’s current and future programs and innovations.
The consortium includes EADS, Eurojet, EJ200 and MBDA.
Present were Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun Economic Council, Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, British Ambassador, Dominic Jeremy, and representatives of UAE and foreign companies.
The workshop – aimed at exploring opportunities of defense and aerospace of mutual interest between international companies and local defense contractors – introduced BAE Systems to attendees and provided a forum to network and discusses mutual business interests and future opportunities.
Underlining Tawazun Economic Council’s strategy, aligned with the UAE’s vision for economic diversification, technology transfer and building of national capabilities, Saif Al Hajeri said: “Through such forums, the Tawazun Economic Council aims to provide a platform to both local industry and international partners to communicate best practices, to exchange knowledge, and to look into potential strategic initiatives and cooperation opportunities.” In his opening remarks, the Chief Officer of Industrial Development Unit at Tawazun Economic Council Matar Ali Al Romaithi highlighted the Council’s role of facilitating cooperation between local industry and the world’s leaders in defense industry.
“Tawazun Economic Council is keen to continue its role as a conduit between international contractors and members of the local private sector for creation of commercially viable, profitable, and sustainable joint ventures,” he added.
Al Romaithi described the workshop as a focused industrial platform designed to facilitate exchange of expertise in the field.
In his presentation, the British Ambassador explained the role the United Kingdom government had been playing in supporting industrial partnerships.
BAE Systems officials briefed attendees on the group’s business structure, products and core capabilities.
“We were delighted to be invited to join Tawazun Economic Council in co-hosting an industry workshop. It’s a great event and a fantastic opportunity to continue developing our relationships with UAE industry,” said Fiona Davies-Senior Vice President Offset and industrial participation, BAE Systems.
“BAE Systems is proud of the enduring relationship we have had with the UAE and its Armed Forces for over 30 years. This event has been a great opportunity to further strengthen and deepen the company’s relationship with the UAE by engaging with industry and exploring how we can further contribute to the prosperity and security of this blessed country,” she added.
The workshop concluded with small breakout sessions where local business leaders introduced their capabilities and discussed opportunities in the field.
Tawazun Economic Council was established in early 1992 to oversee implementation of the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Program and to derive economic and commercial value from the country’s extensive defense procurement program.
The Program had earlier resulted in the creation of joint ventures in various economic and industrial sectors including shipping, district cooling, aircraft leasing, fish farming, healthcare, agriculture, banking and education. Since 2010, the program has been focused on advanced technology in defense domain and several projects have been developed such as AMMROC, Tawazun Dynamics, Etihad Ship Building and others.
