The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology announced its participation in the launch of a Centre for Industrial Competences, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). This initiative aims to enhance industrial skills and capabilities across BRICS countries. The announcement was made during the 8th BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting, which brought together industry, trade, and technology ministries from the UAE, Russia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, and South Africa. Russia chaired the meeting, held under the theme "strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security."

The newly established Centre for Industrial Competences will promote partnerships within the framework of the New Industrial Revolution (NIR). It aims to identify shared interests, challenges, and opportunities in the rapidly changing industrial landscape. The centre's goal is to help BRICS countries develop their industrial skills and enable progress in various industrial sectors.

Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, praised Russia's leadership at the meeting. He highlighted the significance of the BRICS group, noting that it represents nearly 45 percent of the world's population and accounts for almost a third of the global GDP. Al Suwaidi emphasised the UAE's commitment to strengthening ties with global partners to create mutual economic opportunities. He pointed out that this collaboration is crucial for sustainable development and addressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

Al Suwaidi also expressed the UAE's eagerness to contribute to the working groups formed under this partnership. These groups will focus on various areas, including the chemical industry, metals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), smart manufacturing, clean technology, and medical equipment.

The declaration from the meeting reaffirmed the members' commitment to cooperating on industrial policy to support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, including the adoption of green technologies.

The declaration also recognised the role of the PartNIR (Partnership on New Industrial Revolution) Innovation Centre. This centre is dedicated to policy coordination, personnel training, and project development. It has hosted various events, including the BRICS New Industrial Revolution Exhibition, the BRICS Forum on PartNIR, the BRICS Industrial Innovation Contest, and the BRICS Forum on Future Networks Innovation. The efforts of the BRICS Startup Forum were also acknowledged for supporting start-ups that drive innovation and economic growth in the NIR era.

The meeting concluded with a review of past agreements and decisions aimed at deepening BRICS cooperation in industrialisation, innovation, inclusiveness, and investment. This includes the Johannesburg II Declaration, adopted on August 23, 2023. The delegates also expressed their support for Brazil, which will host the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting in 2025.

Notably, in August 2023, six new members, including the UAE, were invited to join BRICS. The UAE officially became a member in January 2024. It is predicted that by 2040, BRICS could account for 45 percent of the global economy.

Image source: ANI