Executive Director of the German-Emirati Council for Industry and Commerce: The UAE is a global platform for the applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Oliver Ohms, Executive Director of the German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Trade, affirmed that the formation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution working group between the two friendly countries aims to identify and crystallize areas of cooperation that are mutually beneficial, as it is an initiative that enjoys strong support from the private sector and that would contribute In enhancing the UAE’s role as a leading global platform for the technologies and applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency, Ohms said that the Emirati-German team aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in all sectors, as it is an open initiative and is not limited to a specific sector, but when taking into account the most prominent areas of German-Emirati cooperation, which are the energy sectors Healthcare and industry are among the most prominent sectors that will be able to make quick wins.

On the importance of Emirati-German cooperation within this initiative .. Oliver Ohms said that the UAE seeks to become a center for the technologies and applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while Germany has advanced future technologies that anticipate the applications of the twenty-second century. Therefore, the cooperation between the two countries will provide an ideal platform to further develop some of these technologies within different cultural and economic contexts.

He added that this cooperation is not only aimed at promoting export and consolidating interests, but rather is a joint cooperation aimed at achieving benefit for both parties, which in turn will contribute to developing the industrial sector and strengthening the global economy.

On the implications of this cooperation for developing the industrial sector in the UAE.

The Executive Director of the German-Emirati Council said that the work team aims to support the ambition of the UAE in developing its industrial sector, making full use of its industrial assets, represented by a technology-supportive environment and leadership, and a young and skilled workforce with technical skills and a world-class “digital” infrastructure.

In addition to its distinguished location in the heart of a region surrounded by promising emerging markets ranging from Africa to South Asia.

He added that the UAE has been a regional gateway to Germany for decades, and one of the few positive aspects of the Corona epidemic is its role in testing the infrastructure and its ability to help overcome difficulties … and we are certain of the UAE’s ability to quickly emerge from the Corona crisis that is looming over the whole world and stronger than it was. He pointed out that Expo 2020 Dubai will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the great achievements and global results.

On the UAE’s experience in the field of the fourth industrial revolution, especially in light of “Corona” … the Executive Director of the German-Emirati Council said that the UAE has a unique global position due to its ability to combine leadership, distinction and attract international talent, and in the past few years, we have witnessed the UAE’s trend to become a laboratory Open to the latest technologies where companies can test, develop and implement technologies aimed at revolutionizing an entire industry and this is difficult to find anywhere else.

He added, “For example, 3D printing, where Siemens has signed a partnership with Strata to develop and manufacture aircraft components with 3D printing, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. This type of partnership that contributes to technology transfer is what we seek to develop and enhance through Staff “.

On the impact of the Corona pandemic on the role the joint initiative plays.

Oliver Ohms said: “There is a growing trend in the German industrial sector to localize operations and diversify global supply chains. This does not necessarily mean returning parts of international value chains to Germany, but the shutdown that has lasted for months in the Far East, which led, for example, to a ban on supplies of original spare parts.” And the necessity for the auto industry has pushed supply chain managers in Germany to rethink their global equipment. Here, the great role this initiative plays as it contributes to combining German knowledge with Emirati flexibility and openness to stable and rapid development. “

Regarding the expected results of this cooperation, the Executive Director of the German-Emirati Council said that expectations are high on both sides, as the Board of Directors of the German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Trade, which consists of senior businessmen from the Emirati and German sides, is committed to supporting the Fourth Industrial Revolution working team. We do not want to wait for the Joint Economic Committee to convene in early 2021 to present the first results to the two ministers participating in the presidency. Accordingly, we expect to see the first results of this cooperation by the end of this year.

Regarding the effectiveness of the outcomes of the World Summit on Industry and Industrialization in improving human lives .. Oliver Ohms said that the Corona epidemic has changed everything from the way we work and live to the way we consume, move and interact with things around us, and I do not see that our life will return to what it was, At least not during the coming period, given the major impact of the epidemic on the industrial sector, and the Global Summit on Industry and Industrialization has become more important than ever, because it is working to answer an important and crucial question: How do we ensure that people obtain the goods and services they need and deserve in a sustainable manner? As this topic has become an urgent global challenge.