UAE And BRICS Partners Establish Centre For Industrial Competences

The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has joined BRICS nations in signing a declaration to establish a Centre for Industrial Competences. This initiative, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), aims to enhance industrial skills and capabilities. The announcement was made during the 8th BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting, which included representatives from the UAE, Russia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, and South Africa.

The centre will foster partnerships within the New Industrial Revolution (NIR) framework. It aims to identify interests, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving industrial landscape. Additionally, it seeks to develop industrial skills among its members. Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, signed the declaration for the UAE.

Al Suwaidi praised Russia’s leadership at the meeting. He stated, "BRICS countries represent almost 45 percent of the world's population and account for almost a third of the world's GDP, indicating a significant opportunity for collaborative industrial progress and sustainable development. The UAE is committed to strengthening ties with its global partners to capture mutual economic opportunities, which is a major driver of sustainable development and a means to address major global challenges, such as food security and climate change."

The declaration includes plans to form several working groups focusing on various sectors like chemicals, metals, SMEs, smart manufacturing, clean technology, and medical equipment. These groups aim to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure. Emphasis is also placed on implementing green technologies.

The PartNIR Innovation Centre's role was acknowledged in the declaration. This centre focuses on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has organised events such as the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Exhibition and the BRICS Forum on Future Networks Innovation.

Support for Start-ups

The BRICS Startup Forum's efforts were also recognised for supporting start-up projects that drive innovation and economic growth in the NIR era. The meeting reviewed past agreements and decisions to deepen cooperation in industrialisation, innovation, inclusiveness and investment.

In August 2023, six new members were invited to join BRICS including the UAE which officially became a member in January 2024. Forecasts suggest that by 2040 BRICS could account for 45 percent of the global economy.

The meeting concluded with delegates expressing their support for Brazil hosting the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting in 2025.

With inputs from WAM