The latest edition of ‘Investopia Global Talks’ was launched in Singapore with an aim to enhance the economic partnership between the UAE and Singapore, and explore promising investment opportunities in both markets in the sectors of new economy, entrepreneurship, SMEs, family businesses, innovation, technology, transport, and logistics services. It also aims to explore future trends that will shape the economic and investment landscape in the Middle East and Asia.

The event was organized by Investopia in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank on 23 October, 2024, with the participation of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of Investopia; H.E. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; H.E. Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore; H.E. Jamal Al Suwaidi, Ambassador of the UAE to Singapore; and Dr. Jean Fares, CEO of Investopia. It was attended by more than 100 participants including leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, economic experts, and representatives of leading private sector companies and family businesses from both the UAE and Singapore.

Investopia a key pillar of UAE’s national economic diversification strategy

H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that Investopia has become an integral part of the UAE’s economic diversification strategy, supporting its transition towards a sustainable and resilient economic model. Through its annual events and global talks, Investopia has successfully established fruitful and effective economic partnerships with numerous governments and business communities at both regional and international levels. It has also emerged as one of the foremost platforms that bring together senior leaders, economic players, investors, entrepreneurs, and financiers at local, regional, and global levels to discuss economy and investment trends in the face of current challenges faced by the global economy.

Singapore: A leading economic development model

In his speech at the event, H.E. Bin Touq said: “The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Singapore share strong historical ties and distinguished, growing economic partnerships. Under the guidance of their leaderships, both countries have transformed from resource-dependent economies into global hubs for trade, investment, finance, and innovation, benefiting from their geographical locations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Over the past few decades, Singapore has set an exemplary standard in economic development, foreign investment policies, education, and the development of human capital.”

Investopia supports UAE and Singapore’s transitions to new economy

H.E. added: “The UAE is one of Singapore’s key investment partners at both regional and global levels, as our investments in Singaporean market continue to grow. Today, they span numerous vital and digital sectors, particularly technology, innovative financial services, sustainable transport, and logistics services. The two countries also share a common vision for building a new economic model based on knowledge and innovation, fostering new generations of talented individuals and distinguished entrepreneurs. This motivated us to hold the latest edition of the Investopia Global Talks today in Singapore, to enhance the levels of economic partnership between the two countries in these areas at both government and private sectors. Our aim is to generate more opportunities and capabilities that serve the future economic aspirations of the two friendly countries.”

Promising investment opportunities in the UAE

The Minister of Economy highlighted the promising investment opportunities offered by the UAE in various economic sectors including healthcare, clean energy, transport, financial technology, tourism, and AI. He elaborated on the incentives and advantages provided by the UAE economy, as well as the policies and initiatives adopted by the State to enhance economic openness to the world and develop a flexible economic legislative framework. These measures have played a crucial role in boosting the competitiveness of the country’s business environment, reinforcing its leadership at regional and global levels.

UAE’s innovation and entrepreneurship dynamics

 Investopia Singapore hosted four panel discussions featuring a distinguished group of government officials, businessmen, and investors from both countries. H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, attended the first panel, which was moderated by Rula Abou Mena, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank in the UAE, the Middle East, and Pakistan. It was titled ‘Developing Entrepreneurial Startups: Exploring the Enablers of the Entrepreneurship Environment in the UAE’.

This session highlighted the dynamics of innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE and the opportunities they offer to creators and innovators to establish their businesses and startups. It emphasized their role in supporting cooperation between UAE and Singapore in the SMEs sector, and the potential to drive innovation and accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurs in the two countries.

Dr. Jean Fares, CEO of Investopia, said: “Today, we launched Investopia Global Talks in Singapore highlighting the wealth of investment opportunities in the UAE and ASEAN, to strengthen the bridges of cooperation between the UAE and Singapore, and discuss the latest global investment trends. Through Investopia’s upcoming events and sessions, we will continue to work to solidify the UAE’s position as a global hub for business and investment and enhance its attractiveness to FDI in new economy sectors.”

Patrick Lee, CEO for Singapore and ASEAN at Standard Chartered, said: “We are pleased to host Investopia Global Talks in Singapore alongside the United Arab Emirates, which strategically serves as a vital hub linking the East to the West. Singapore is well positioned to seize economic opportunities in the world’s most promising regions, including the Middle East and ASEAN. The event highlights the unique potential of the UAE and Singapore in promoting cooperation, stimulating investments, and driving sustainable growth across key global trade routes.”

Enabling UAE’s entrepreneurial and innovation culture

During the session, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei said: “Owing to its wise leadership’s directives, the UAE today boasts a world-class national entrepreneurship ecosystem with more than 50 incubators and government and private business accelerators. It features competitive economic legislation and components, including 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies, free economic zones and industrial complexes that support the growth of emerging enterprises and the development of creative ideas of entrepreneurs and SMEs. Moreover, low corporate taxes, golden residency for entrepreneurs, talents, and creators for up to 10 years, and reduced fees for obtaining the national Value-Added Certificate add to the national business environment’s attractiveness.”

Her Excellency explained: “Reflecting the success of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its position as a hub for regional and international entrepreneurs, the country achieved 57 per cent growth in the total number of SMEs from 2020 to 2023. This affirms the effectiveness of the policies and initiatives that the UAE has embraced to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and startups.”

“Investopia Global Talks – Singapore is an important milestone in enhancing cooperation between the UAE and Singapore in entrepreneurship and SMEs sectors, advancing their global standing in attracting startups and stimulating innovation, especially since the two countries rank among the leading global hubs for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.”

New investment trends

The second session, titled ‘New Trends Shaping the Investment Landscape in Asia and Middle East,’ discussed emerging investment trends and opportunities in various critical sectors across Asia and the region. It also delved into business practices and policies that support the sustainability of economies, as well as mechanisms that facilitate FDI flows in the government and private sectors. The session highlighted the role of the UAE and Singapore in shaping the future of finance and innovation as leading regional and global trading and investment hubs. It was attended by H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance, Steve Brice, Chief Investment Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, and Simon Webster, CEO of Vistra.

Future of global trade routes

The third session, titled ‘Navigating New Trade Routes: The Strategic Role of the UAE and Singapore as Key Logistics Hubs,’ explored the ever-evolving landscape of global trade, driven by a various factors. It also highlighted the future potential of international trade routes and examined how both the UAE and Singapore can further strengthen their positions as pivotal logistics hubs and their integral roles in the global supply chain. The session provided insights into the UAE’s vision to develop state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure, including ports, airports, airlines, and shipping routes, solidifying its standing as a prominent hub for global freight movement, in line with the Economic Principles Document. H.E. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, and Salah Sharaf, Chairman of Emirates Logistics LLC, participated in the session.

Asia’s New Economy Sectors Driving Sustainable Development

The fourth session explored the topic ‘The Role of New Economy Sectors in Developing Asia’s Economies,’ discussing investment prospects within the digital sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital assets, green energy, and hospitality. It highlighted the significance of these sectors in attracting foreign investments to Asian countries. Additionally, it discussed the policies and mechanisms that shape the future of economic growth in these countries. Antonio Gonzalez, the CEO and Founding Partner of Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), and David Tabet, Investopia’s Executive Director of Operations, attended the session, along with various officials and business owners from the UAE and Singapore.

Investment in UAE’s Family-Owned businesses

A roundtable discussion at Investopia Global Talks Singapore brought together more than 20 investors and senior executives from Singapore-based family offices. The session provided insights into the investment opportunities within the family business sector in the UAE, along with the flexible economic legislations governing it. Additionally, the session shed light on the highly competitive business landscape in the country, highlighting its strategic location that connects the East with the West, and its crucial role as a gateway for investment in the Middle East and Africa.

Investopia Global Talks have organised over 12 sessions so far in a number of global cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, New York, Geneva, Milan, London, Cairo, Rabat, Havana, and Dubai.