2019-12-05
UAE MoD and Tawazun Launch Trade Control Office
The UAE Ministry of Defense (MoD) recently announced the launch of the Trade Control Office, supported by Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun) and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Located at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP), the Office aims to streamline defence regulatory and licensing services for the industry. The launch comes as part of Tawazun’s commitment to enable the development of a robust and sustainable defence and security sector in the UAE, as well as support industry growth.
The Office, created as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tawazun and MOD and considered the first fully integrated service centre for MOD, is a branch of the Department of Licensing & Regulation at MOD. The facility will provide services for organisations operating in the manufacturing, import and export of defence and security services and equipment.
His Excellency Matar Salim Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense and His Excellency Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman of ADDED, attended the inauguration ceremony.
Under the terms of the MoU, the Trade Control Office will work closely with concerned parties to create a framework for the enactment of legislative processes, as well as consolidate efforts to ensure the regulation and protection of emerging military and security technologies, in compliance with international laws and conventions.
“Inaugurating the Trade Control Office at TIP is in line with our commitment to empowering national industries, which represents a significant milestone for the Ministry of Defense. By supporting the UAE’s advanced defence ecosystem and enhancing the quality and competitiveness of its products worldwide, we play a pivotal role in supporting the leadership’s vision for sustainable economic development and developing talent for industry progression,” said Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Head of the Executive Directorate of Industries and Development of Defense Capabilities at the MoD.
“As a direct link between the Ministry and potential investors, the Trade Control Office will provide several services for companies operating in the defence and security sector, including coordination with other government departments in the Emirate. This includes issuing and renewing necessary licenses for weapons, ammunition, explosives and military equipment from the MoD for manufacturing facilities with military and dual-use equipment,” he added.
Tariq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun, commented: “We welcome the opening of MoD’s Trade Control Office at TIP. As a result of our continuous cooperation with MoD, we are delivering on our joint commitment to driving industry and technology development, in addition to building human capabilities.
Attracting investments, strengthening partnerships with international defence institutions, empowering local SME’s, and creating a robust and sustainable defence and security sector, are all core elements of the country’s diversification strategy.”
Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer of Tawazun, added: “The opening of the Trade Control Office at TIP will play a key role in the growth of the sector. By streamlining processes and facilitating procedures through a single window, we are able to better serve companies operating in the sector, contributing to the sustainable growth of a diversified economy.
“Tawazun’s core mandate is to enable the defence and security industry, and by introducing the right methods for industry development, and continuously working to provide a suitable legislative environment, we are creating a strong industry in the UAE. This will not only ensure that we are operating competitively with global standards but are also creating a knowledge-based national economy, with technology and innovation at its core that will ultimately attract foreign direct investments.”
Engineer Faiz Saleh Al Nahdi, CEO of TIP, also concluded: “The Trade Control Office adds significant value to our offering, giving defence companies based in Abu Dhabi the opportunity to benefit from the ease of the services and facilities available at TIP, thus enhancing the efficiency of their operations as well as the attractiveness of TIP.”
The inauguration was attended by Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Tariq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, Matar Ali Al Romaithi, HE Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Business Center of ADDED, and Engineer Faiz Saleh Al Nahdi, in addition to a number of officials and representatives from both local and international companies operating in the defence and security sector.
Tawazun is a key enabler of the UAE defence and security industry, with a focus on economic development. Founded in 1992, to date Tawazun has enabled the creation of more than 90 companies and investment vehicles within 11 sectors.
The entity contributes to the development of a sustainable defence and security industry by driving economic value, technology and innovation, ecosystem growth, and capabilities development. Tawazun works with industry players through its two main drivers, Tawazun Economic Programme and the Defense and Security Development Fund. Additionally, it seeks to create job opportunities for Emirati citizens and to develop human potential.
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