Emirates News Agency | Jan 20, 2010
Abu Dhabi, 20th Jan.2010 (WAM) -- The honorable Ed Stelmach, Premier of the Province of Alberta of Canada, signed today a comprehensive Memorandum of understanding with H.E. Nasser Al Suweidi, Chairman of Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi (DED).
The ceremony which took place at the Fairmont Hotel, Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, was attended by high ranking Canadian and Emirati officials, and by key stakeholders of DED from the Public and Private Sectors, the partners of the implementation of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
This agreement, with immediate effect, covers key sectors of interest including but not limited to: Energy, Environmental Protection , Agriculture, Education, Technology and Innovation, Business and Industry.
This strategic Economic cooperation will be interpreted by a range of activities and a strong commitment to work together to build closer ties between the public and private sectors, institutions and communities of both countries and the development of joint agreements which will cover sectors of mutual interest.
Al Suweidi commented on this agreement by saying: "this agreement is one of many strategic moves taken by DED to cement strong international partnerships that will allow us to realize our economic vision 2030" He added: "the scope of work as stated in this agreement goes in line with the new role of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, especially promoting a knowledge based economy and the technology transfer, in addition to enhancing key sectors which include education and energy".
" The economic growth of this region is phenomenal," said Ed Stelmach, adding: "This agreement recognizes the leadership of Abu Dhabi in all manner of business development and will facilitate greater relations with Alberta".
"I look forward to building even stronger ties between our province and Abu Dhabi," he concluded.
This three years memorandum is not only setting a framework of cooperation but it includes some specific steps such as : Alberta curriculum accreditation for certain schools in Abu Dhabi , Information Sharing and Technology transfer agreements on energy related matters (e.g. carbon capture and storage and sour gas solutions) , Mutual beneficial arrangements in the agricultural sector (e.g. investment and provision of grain, development of a grain terminal), 4. Cooperation between respective agencies on exchange of best practices '&' knowhow on compilation and publication of public Statistics, Cooperation between The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) and DED to help develop a professional engineer's regulation system.
WAM/TF
