emirates7 - Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between governments, businesses, and international organizations in investing in digital infrastructure, supporting innovation, and integrating technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to a modern and resilient global trading system.
He made these comments during a knowledge-sharing session under the TradeTech Initiative, a three-year global project led by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the UAE Ministry of Economy, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
AI was the key focus for the second year of the initiative, given its growing influence in logistics. The session, titled "AI and Global Trade: Future of TradeTech," brought together industry leaders and experts to explore AI's transformative potential, particularly in enhancing supply-chain efficiency. AI tools are already helping companies find new suppliers, automate negotiations, and optimize logistics.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi underscored the importance of adopting AI across global trade, highlighting its ability to bypass outdated systems and boost productivity. He noted that AI is already improving shipping routes and managing disruptions but stressed that its use has been fragmented so far. He called for collective efforts among policymakers, trade bodies, and businesses to reshape global trade.
He also pointed out that the discussions, along with the broader TradeTech Initiative, would be vital in driving global trade innovation. The knowledge session focused on AI’s impact on trade regulations, the readiness of emerging markets for digital trade, and addressing skills gaps in the workforce.
Key speakers included Tim Stekkinger, Head of the TradeTech Initiative at the WEF, Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz from Queensland University of Technology, supply chain expert Wolfgang Lehmacher, and Philippe Isler from the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation. Stekkinger remarked that AI is not just a solution to traditional trade issues but a catalyst for reinventing trade, emphasizing the need for public-private collaboration to maximize AI’s potential.
Launched in January 2023 at Davos, the TradeTech Initiative aims to inspire the integration of advanced technologies in global supply chains. Its first year produced the inaugural TradeTech Report and Forum in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO.
He made these comments during a knowledge-sharing session under the TradeTech Initiative, a three-year global project led by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the UAE Ministry of Economy, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
AI was the key focus for the second year of the initiative, given its growing influence in logistics. The session, titled "AI and Global Trade: Future of TradeTech," brought together industry leaders and experts to explore AI's transformative potential, particularly in enhancing supply-chain efficiency. AI tools are already helping companies find new suppliers, automate negotiations, and optimize logistics.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi underscored the importance of adopting AI across global trade, highlighting its ability to bypass outdated systems and boost productivity. He noted that AI is already improving shipping routes and managing disruptions but stressed that its use has been fragmented so far. He called for collective efforts among policymakers, trade bodies, and businesses to reshape global trade.
He also pointed out that the discussions, along with the broader TradeTech Initiative, would be vital in driving global trade innovation. The knowledge session focused on AI’s impact on trade regulations, the readiness of emerging markets for digital trade, and addressing skills gaps in the workforce.
Key speakers included Tim Stekkinger, Head of the TradeTech Initiative at the WEF, Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz from Queensland University of Technology, supply chain expert Wolfgang Lehmacher, and Philippe Isler from the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation. Stekkinger remarked that AI is not just a solution to traditional trade issues but a catalyst for reinventing trade, emphasizing the need for public-private collaboration to maximize AI’s potential.
Launched in January 2023 at Davos, the TradeTech Initiative aims to inspire the integration of advanced technologies in global supply chains. Its first year produced the inaugural TradeTech Report and Forum in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO.