emirates7 - Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasized the country’s enduring strategy of investment-driven growth and global partnerships during his keynote speech at the opening of AIM Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The congress, a leading global forum for foreign direct investment and international cooperation, set the stage for discussions on sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
“Our strategy is deeply rooted in national policy—this is not theoretical; it's a tangible reality making a global impact,” Dr. Al-Zeyoudi noted.
In 2023, the UAE invested $22.3 billion in international development projects, targeting key sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, education, and healthcare in emerging markets. The minister highlighted major initiatives, including $4 billion in port developments across countries like Pakistan, Georgia, Angola, and Kazakhstan, along with over $50 million committed to clean energy ventures such as floating solar power and wind farms. These moves reflect the UAE’s approach to economic diplomacy—deploying capital to promote resilience, modernization, and cooperation globally.
“This model goes beyond the UAE—it offers a template for global prosperity,” he stated. “We are building an interconnected investment ecosystem where economic growth aligns with social progress and global stability.”
President Vahagn Garniki Khachaturyan of Armenia also delivered an address, emphasizing the role of strategic investments, innovation, and education in navigating the global economic transition. “Infrastructure is foundational,” he said, “but we’re also investing in future-forward sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, and tech hubs to equip our youth.”
He stressed the importance of combating inequality and protecting human rights, urging a simplified investment climate and enhanced international collaboration to build open, stable markets. “Armenia is peaceful, stable, and ready to contribute to shaping the future of global investment,” he affirmed.
The congress also welcomed President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, who outlined his country’s development vision, aiming to transform the lives of 2 million citizens by 2050. He spotlighted infrastructure, clean energy, and agriculture as strategic priorities and positioned Congo’s vast natural resources—including gold, petroleum, gas, and diamonds—as major economic assets.
“Congo is strategically placed as a trade gateway,” he said, announcing significant investments in solar and hydroelectric energy to achieve widespread clean power access. He encouraged global investors to see Congo as a reliable long-term partner. “Investing in Congo is not just viable—it’s a win-win for all involved,” he said.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, also addressed the gathering, advocating for unity and sustainable development across the Arab world amidst growing global challenges. He pointed to the region’s youthful population—over 60% under the age of 30—as a tremendous asset and called for investments in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka took the stage at the Global Leaders’ Debate, presenting the DRC’s investment strengths. While acknowledging infrastructure and energy challenges rooted in past conflicts, she framed them as prime areas for impactful investment. With abundant minerals, fertile lands, and a young population, she positioned the country as a hub for inclusive growth and climate-focused development.
“Our potential is vast—not only in resources but in human capital,” she said. “We’ve created policies to ensure investors benefit alongside our people. The DRC is a beacon for shared prosperity.”
Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, emphasized his region’s growth trajectory, fueled by innovation and SME development. He showcased Tatarstan’s robust infrastructure, special economic zones, and thriving technoparks.
“Despite global uncertainty, Tatarstan has remained strong, with fixed capital investment up 12%,” he said, highlighting progress in traditional industries like oil alongside new areas like digital public services and the halal sector. He stressed growing ties with Muslim nations ahead of Kazan’s role as the Islamic Cultural Capital in 2026.
Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the International Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, championed inclusive growth and financial empowerment, especially in youth-driven emerging economies. He pointed to Bahrain’s success, built on education, healthcare, and workforce investment.
Highlighting the financing barriers MSMEs face—particularly women-led enterprises—he emphasized financial inclusion as key to sustained progress. He noted the rising consumer potential in Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa, which by 2025 will comprise a third of the global market. “The resources exist—over $1.6 trillion in Waqf capital. What’s needed is coordinated action and shared vision,” he said.
Former EU Vice President Günther Oettinger warned of rising geopolitical instability, trade restrictions, and the looming threat of a global trade war. Speaking from a European perspective, he called for de-escalation and a return to a rules-based global trade system.
Madame Le Thi Thu Thuy of VinFast Auto and Vingroup described Vietnam’s strategic efforts to stay resilient amid global disruptions. She emphasized the growing importance of Southeast Asia as a vital and adaptable region in the evolving global economy.
Hojamyrat Geldimyradov of Turkmenistan offered perspectives on Europe’s shifting dynamics, particularly in relation to Germany’s evolving energy strategies and defense posture. He called for stronger global partnerships, especially in digital and defense transformations.
The session wrapped up with a call for open dialogue and innovative frameworks to promote mutual growth and resilience in an interconnected world.
“Our strategy is deeply rooted in national policy—this is not theoretical; it's a tangible reality making a global impact,” Dr. Al-Zeyoudi noted.
In 2023, the UAE invested $22.3 billion in international development projects, targeting key sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, education, and healthcare in emerging markets. The minister highlighted major initiatives, including $4 billion in port developments across countries like Pakistan, Georgia, Angola, and Kazakhstan, along with over $50 million committed to clean energy ventures such as floating solar power and wind farms. These moves reflect the UAE’s approach to economic diplomacy—deploying capital to promote resilience, modernization, and cooperation globally.
“This model goes beyond the UAE—it offers a template for global prosperity,” he stated. “We are building an interconnected investment ecosystem where economic growth aligns with social progress and global stability.”
President Vahagn Garniki Khachaturyan of Armenia also delivered an address, emphasizing the role of strategic investments, innovation, and education in navigating the global economic transition. “Infrastructure is foundational,” he said, “but we’re also investing in future-forward sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, and tech hubs to equip our youth.”
He stressed the importance of combating inequality and protecting human rights, urging a simplified investment climate and enhanced international collaboration to build open, stable markets. “Armenia is peaceful, stable, and ready to contribute to shaping the future of global investment,” he affirmed.
The congress also welcomed President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, who outlined his country’s development vision, aiming to transform the lives of 2 million citizens by 2050. He spotlighted infrastructure, clean energy, and agriculture as strategic priorities and positioned Congo’s vast natural resources—including gold, petroleum, gas, and diamonds—as major economic assets.
“Congo is strategically placed as a trade gateway,” he said, announcing significant investments in solar and hydroelectric energy to achieve widespread clean power access. He encouraged global investors to see Congo as a reliable long-term partner. “Investing in Congo is not just viable—it’s a win-win for all involved,” he said.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, also addressed the gathering, advocating for unity and sustainable development across the Arab world amidst growing global challenges. He pointed to the region’s youthful population—over 60% under the age of 30—as a tremendous asset and called for investments in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka took the stage at the Global Leaders’ Debate, presenting the DRC’s investment strengths. While acknowledging infrastructure and energy challenges rooted in past conflicts, she framed them as prime areas for impactful investment. With abundant minerals, fertile lands, and a young population, she positioned the country as a hub for inclusive growth and climate-focused development.
“Our potential is vast—not only in resources but in human capital,” she said. “We’ve created policies to ensure investors benefit alongside our people. The DRC is a beacon for shared prosperity.”
Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, emphasized his region’s growth trajectory, fueled by innovation and SME development. He showcased Tatarstan’s robust infrastructure, special economic zones, and thriving technoparks.
“Despite global uncertainty, Tatarstan has remained strong, with fixed capital investment up 12%,” he said, highlighting progress in traditional industries like oil alongside new areas like digital public services and the halal sector. He stressed growing ties with Muslim nations ahead of Kazan’s role as the Islamic Cultural Capital in 2026.
Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the International Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, championed inclusive growth and financial empowerment, especially in youth-driven emerging economies. He pointed to Bahrain’s success, built on education, healthcare, and workforce investment.
Highlighting the financing barriers MSMEs face—particularly women-led enterprises—he emphasized financial inclusion as key to sustained progress. He noted the rising consumer potential in Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa, which by 2025 will comprise a third of the global market. “The resources exist—over $1.6 trillion in Waqf capital. What’s needed is coordinated action and shared vision,” he said.
Former EU Vice President Günther Oettinger warned of rising geopolitical instability, trade restrictions, and the looming threat of a global trade war. Speaking from a European perspective, he called for de-escalation and a return to a rules-based global trade system.
Madame Le Thi Thu Thuy of VinFast Auto and Vingroup described Vietnam’s strategic efforts to stay resilient amid global disruptions. She emphasized the growing importance of Southeast Asia as a vital and adaptable region in the evolving global economy.
Hojamyrat Geldimyradov of Turkmenistan offered perspectives on Europe’s shifting dynamics, particularly in relation to Germany’s evolving energy strategies and defense posture. He called for stronger global partnerships, especially in digital and defense transformations.
The session wrapped up with a call for open dialogue and innovative frameworks to promote mutual growth and resilience in an interconnected world.