Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AmCham Abu Dhabi, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council co-hosted an exclusive business event featuring a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Hotel, Nation Towers. Over 400 top business executives, senior U.A.E. Government officials, U.S. Embassy officials, and media attended the on-the-record event. VIPs included H.E. Mohamed Thani Murshed Al Romaithi, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry; H.E. Khalfan Saeed Al Kaabi, First Vice Chairman, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Victor Hurtado, Chargé D’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi.

Secretary Pritzker is leading an Infrastructure trade mission of 21 U.S. firms looking for export opportunities in the U.A.E. This is the first visit of a sitting U.S. Secretary of Commerce with an accompanying trade mission to the Gulf region in 15 years. The mission highlights infrastructure export opportunities for U.S. businesses with an emphasis on project management and engineering (construction, architecture and design), clean and renewable energy (solar, wind, waste-to-energy), smart grid and energy efficiency, and environmental technologies (water/wastewater, air pollution control, and waste management).

“I am so pleased to be joined on this trade mission by 21 U.S. firms that are eager to partner with government and industry in Abu Dhabi,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “The United States and our businesses truly value our strong commercial and economic ties with the Gulf region, and recognize that working together is a win-win. American companies have the expertise to help the U.A.E. achieve its vision of becoming an even more powerful global hub for business. And when U.S. firms sell their goods and services to new markets, the American economy stands to gain. I hope this trade mission will lead to many more mutually-beneficial relationships between our two nations.”

U.S. Commerce Secretary Pritzker delivered her keynote address following opening remarks by co-hosts Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman, H.E. Mohamed Thani Murshed Al Rumaithi, AmCham Abu Dhabi Chairman Matthew E. Byrd, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and COO, David Chavern and U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President, Danny Sebright.

“AmCham Abu Dhabi is honored to host Secretary Pritzker and members of her business delegation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The timing of the visit is superb, as Abu Dhabi is growing and a great place for American business to focus their efforts locally and regionally,” said Matthew E. Byrd, Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi. “Secretary Pritzker’s agenda for increased global trade relations highlights the importance of U.S.- U.A.E. trade, which totaled a record of $26.9 billion in 2013.”

His Excellency Mohammed Thani Murshid Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, emphasized the vitality and importance of the exceptional and strategic bilateral relations between the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United States, noting “Abu Dhabi’s unique standing in the regional business environment and the U.A.E.’s friendly ties with the U.S. provide us with a strong footing to build a solid economic partnership.”

His Excellency stated, “The visit of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the U.A.E. is a good opportunity to maintain this excellent bilateral cooperation. We believe that both our economies have the strength to forge many more long-term cooperation relations that help us achieve more in terms of trade and development.”

David Chavern, Executive Vice President and COO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce commented, “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce values U.S.-U.A.E. trade and investment, and we are here because we want to both celebrate our bilateral relationship, and explore how we can take it to new heights. It is so important that leaders in the business communities and governments of both our countries work together to advance commercial and strategic partnerships. We look forward to continued collaboration with U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and our partner organizations here in the U.A.E. to achieve our shared goals.”

“Secretary Pritzker’s visit to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai during her inaugural trip to the Middle East provides a clear indication that the U.S. Administration views commercial ties between the U.S. and the U.A.E. as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship,” said Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.- U.A.E Business Council. “With the planned visit of President Obama to the region later this month, the U.S. is clearly committed to strengthening and deepening our already close ties.”

In her remarks, U.S. Commerce Secretary Pritzker, highlighted the capacity of U.S. companies to help the U.A.E. meets its ambitious infrastructure investment goals.

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U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE PENNY PRITZKER DELIVERS REMARKS IN ABU DHABI ON FIRST LEG OF MIDDLE EAST TRADE MISSION
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Department of Commerce

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – On the first leg of her Middle Eastern trade mission, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today delivered remarks to business and government officials at a luncheon hosted by the United States–United Arab Emirates Business Council, the United States Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. In her remarks, Secretary Pritzker noted that the 21 companies on her trade mission are eager to do business in the UAE, and serve as a partner on a number of infrastructure projects the country has undertaken in areas such as renewable energy and transportation. These export-ready infrastructure firms are focused specifically on areas like project management and engineering (including construction, architecture and design), renewable energy (solar, wind, waste-to-energy), smart grid and energy efficiency, and environmental technologies (including water/wastewater, air pollution control, and waste management).

Secretary Pritzker also highlighted the growing U.S.-UAE bilateral trade relationship, noting that U.S. exports to the UAE have more than doubled since 2009. Secretary Pritzker outlined several steps needed to take the U.S.-United Arab Emirates commercial relationship even further, including supporting the UAE as a platform for American firms to do business, increasing foreign direct investment, and supporting opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Earlier today, Secretary Pritzker led the trade mission’s business delegation on visits to two government-established entities that are making investments in infrastructure, helping the U.S. companies explore possible export or investment opportunities in the UAE. First they met with Khaldoon Mubarak, the CEO of Mubadala, a development company that is investing in infrastructure in renewable energy, educational facilities, transportation, and logistics. They also visited the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, which currently serves approximately 40 percent of the UAE’s population and is working to expand its capacity.

Later this week, Secretary Pritzker will lead the business delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to a sustained economic partnership in the Gulf region. President Obama will visit Saudi Arabia later this month to meet with His Majesty King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and discuss Gulf security and peace in the Middle East.

With their growing economies, the Gulf region is a critical area of focus for U.S. businesses. Since the launch of the National Export Initiative in 2010, U.S. exports have increased 111% to the United Arab Emirates, 65% to Saudia Arabia, and 57% to Qatar. The U.S.-United Arab Emirates trade relationship is undergoing a period of rapid expansion as the UAE seeks to undertake major investment in its infrastructure and transport systems, and U.S. exports to the UAE totaled almost $23 billion in 2012. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the 10th largest U.S. trading partner and the 20th largest recipient of U.S. exports. The Saudi economy – the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region – has been growing at a robust pace. Additionally, total U.S. exports to Qatar totaled nearly $5.0 billion in 2013, establishing a new record.

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery

Thank you, Matt. It is great to meet you after hearing so much about you from Ross and our mutual friends in the United States. I want to thank our co-sponsors: the United States–United Arab Emirates Business Council, the United States Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. All of you play key roles in building a strong trade and investment relationship between our two nations. Thank you.

I have seen the US-UAE relationship grow first-hand. Over the past decade, I have traveled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi multiple times in my capacity as a business leader and also with my family on vacation. And today, I am thrilled to be here as the United States Secretary of Commerce. Our business delegation has been in Abu Dhabi for just 24 hours and we have already experienced a very warm welcome. Thank you.

This is only my second trade mission. We prioritized this region because the Obama Administration puts a high value on America’s relationship with the Gulf. And, of course, there are enormous commercial opportunities for American companies here. The level of interest from U.S. companies to join us on this mission was overwhelming. In fact, 80 companies in the infrastructure and energy sectors applied, and we had to whittle down the attendees to a delegation of 21. (Can you please stand and be recognized?)

Due to the bridges that all of you have built, America’s commercial and economic relationship with the UAE has never been stronger. Looking back, our bilateral friendship reaches all the way back to the UAE’s founding. The United States was just the third country in the world to establish formal diplomatic relations with the UAE after it became an independent country in 1971. In the decades since, we have supported each other in countless ways. For example, the Obama Administration is supporting the UAE’s efforts to upgrade its F-16s and buy 30 new F-16s. As well, we have approved sales of sophisticated missile defense systems. Clearly, the United States and the UAE share a commitment to preserving security and stability throughout the Gulf and that commitment will not change even as the United States becomes more energy independent. In fact, America has a growing interest in making sure that oil markets throughout the world remain stable and well-supplied.

Beyond our security cooperation, our citizens themselves can see first-hand the depth of our friendship – in very concrete ways. For example, in 2012, your dynamic Ambassador, Yousef Al Otaiba, came to my hometown of Chicago to dedicate a new public soccer field. The field was a gift from the UAE Embassy and the Manchester City Football Club in partnership with my family’s foundation and the Chicago Park District, where my husband serves as President of the board. The mayor, hundreds of families, and youth soccer teams from the local community attended the celebration. And I must say it has been a very good investment by the UAE if judged by the daily use of the field.

And there are many more examples of the generosity of the UAE. After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, the UAE provided substantial funding to help thousands of families as well as local colleges. After a tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri, the UAE provided laptops for high school students, helped a hospital rebuild, and volunteers even came from the UAE to help on the ground. And in the heart of America’s capital – Washington, DC – the Sheikh Zayed Institute at Children’s National Medical Center has provided innovative surgical care for children from both of our countries thanks to the generosity of the Government of Abu Dhabi.

But perhaps the most exciting and dynamic aspect of the US-UAE relationship is our vibrant commercial and economic ties. Business leaders throughout the world have woken up to the fact that the UAE is a powerful regional and global hub for commerce. The UAE ranks 26th in the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” rankings. The UAE is home to dozens of free trade zones. The UAE’s leadership in logistics, tourism, and business services – to name just a few – is world-renowned. The UAE has become a magnet for hosting global conferences and trade shows. And, the UAE is viewed as one of the most stable places to do business in the entire Middle East.

Given these facts, it is no surprise that more than 1,000 American firms have established a presence in this country, including some of America’s hottest young startups. A quick example: In 2010, a few friends in San Francisco, California, had the idea to build a mobile app called Uber. The app allows customers to order a taxi on their smartphones instead of trying to hail a cab on the street. Because of its innovative business model which bridges technology with a traditional service, Uber quickly spread throughout the United States. Over the past year, the company expanded to Abu Dhabi and Dubai – creating jobs for local drivers who are Uber’s partners. Uber is just one example of many entrepreneurs and companies from the United States realizing the vast potential of doing business in the Gulf. Of course, this includes the 21 companies on our trip.

Due to the high level of interest in doing business here, our overall trade relationship is thriving. Since 2009 – when President Obama launched the National Export Initiative – U.S. exports to the UAE have more than doubled (increasing by 111 percent). For the past 5 years, the UAE has been the largest U.S. export market in the region. Last year, our exports jumped 9 percent to nearly $25 billion – with strong demand for transportation equipment, computers, electronics, machinery, metals, renewable energy technologies, and large-scale infrastructure.

We saw a powerful example of our blossoming trade ties last November at the Dubai Air Show. American firms announced the largest series of contracts in commercial aviation history. More than $100 billion dollars in U.S. aircraft and engines are heading to the UAE and Qatar over the course of the next decade (including Boeing planes to Abu-Dhabi-based Etihad). On behalf of the U.S. government and our companies, let me say this very clearly: Thank you for your business.

At the same time that we see big deals happening, the Commerce Department is also seeing a new wave of small businesses that are exporting to the UAE. In fact, 91 percent of the sales to the UAE that the Department supported last year were from small exporters – and nearly two-thirds of those sales were from firms that were exporting to the UAE for the very first time, so we are just scratching the surface of our potential.

And we are certainly hoping to do more business this week. Our trade mission will lead to more mutually-beneficial partnerships – and we are not wasting any time. In fact, we already had two fruitful meetings this morning. First, our delegation visited the offices of Mubadala, an organization I first met in 2008 as a director of Hyatt Hotels. As you know, Mubadala is now investing heavily in the future of Abu Dhabi – with infrastructure efforts underway in areas such as renewable energy, educational facilities, transportation, and logistics. American companies are already partnering with Mubadala to help Abu Dhabi grow and diversify its economy – including GE, who is with us on this mission. And I am confident that even more partnerships will flow from this morning’s meeting.

Second, the delegation visited the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority which serves roughly 40 percent of the UAE’s population. The Authority is working to expand its capacity to serve the Emirates. We discussed how American businesses on the trade mission might be able to support Abu Dhabi as its population continues to grow.

American businesses are eager to partner with governments and industry here on infrastructure and transportation projects, and to help build a bright future for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. In addition to what I already mentioned, this includes: Etihad Railway’s national rail system; the Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation’s urban rail project; alternative energy and smart-grid systems here; and, the development of the Saadiyat Island cultural district.

Simply put, American businesses have the know-how to assist the UAE in achieving its vision of becoming an even more powerful global hub for business.

Let me be clear: This trade mission is not a one-time push. Instead, this is the continuation of a long and fruitful partnership that began decades ago, and will extend for decades to come as the businesses on our trade mission become part of the fabric of the UAE economy. And I am pleased to know that the UAE leadership also takes a long-term view. For example, transformative infrastructure and economic development plans are part of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 – which is investing $90 billion dollars through 2017 in key projects. With Abu Dhabi’s population set to more than double in just 15 years, businesses from both our countries can help this emirate fulfill its potential as it moves toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

Similarly, U.S. firms want to ensure the success of Dubai’s World Expo in 2020. This includes $36 billion in infrastructure and $7 billion dollars for facilities. This event is a powerful opportunity to help Dubai build a long-term foundation for growth. American businesses involved in infrastructure want to help Dubai prepare for the event, as well as participate in the event itself.

And while American businesses are actively exploring these opportunities to partner with the UAE, our government-to-government relationship is moving forward on a parallel track. For example, we are working to address standards issues in areas ranging from green buildings, to auto safety and emissions. We are continuing to work with the UAE officials on intellectual property protection by combating counterfeits and addressing copyright issues. We are working together on export controls which strengthen security and international trade for both of our countries. And, we are helping build a legal environment where entrepreneurs can test ideas and innovation in the marketplace. It is crucial that entrepreneurs have the ability to try – fail – and try again.

Given all of these growing ties, I believe that we are at a point in our relationship where we can explore additional areas for collaboration between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. I will offer three suggestions of where we should focus.

First, we can build on the UAE’s advantage as a platform for American firms to do business throughout the Middle East, in Africa, and in South Asia. Today, an increasing number of U.S. firms are building regional headquarters and operations centers here in the UAE. In fact, we are now seeing joint manufacturing facilities here – in which American products are finished and shipped to third markets. This type of economic cooperation is a clear win-win arrangement for our two nations – and we should do all we can to support this trend.

Second, we can broaden the scope of our investment relationship. We will continue to support American investors who find growth opportunities in the UAE – and we can work together to address any concerns they might have. At the same time, the UAE is now the 19th largest source of foreign direct investment into the United States with $21 billion in total stock. For example, Mubadala has invested $6 billion dollars in a semiconductor fabrication facility in New York – Global Foundries – and recently made a commitment for $8 billion more.

To assist more investors from countries like the UAE, President Obama established America’s first federal effort to support inbound investment – called SelectUSA which is run by the Commerce Department. We want to connect those investors to the resources and assets that the United States has to offer – namely our universities, our large consumer base, and our research and development hubs, and our supply chains.

And third, we must work harder to ensure a bright future for the next generation of Americans and Emiratis. After all, our young people will be responsible for building our commercial and economic ties throughout the 21st century. We have much work to do in this regard. We should increase the number of educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for our youth. I am pleased to hear that New York University is expanding to open a new, bigger campus in Abu Dhabi this year. And I – personally – am chairing a group called the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship – whose mission is to inspire more startups around the world. As a serial entrepreneur who launched five companies, I am particularly excited about this effort.

At the same time, we should also provide good, quality healthcare to help our citizens live longer, fuller lives – and our nations are collaborating in this area. For example, I know from my friend Toby Cosgrove that the Cleveland Clinic is opening a new state-of-the-art hospital in Abu Dhabi in the coming year.

And finally, we should protect our environment by jointly investing in areas such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. Several companies on my trade mission – FirstSolar, AREVA Solar, SolarReserve, and ZeroWaste – are experts in renewable energy. In fact, I plan to see FirstSolar’s project in the region first-hand when we are in Dubai.

In sum, I believe that we are at a truly exciting moment in the history of the relationship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Over the past four decades, we have worked hard to build strong bridges between our nations. And, as we look to the next 40 years, I predict that our businesses and our citizens will uncover many new and positive ways to deepen our friendship. As a business person, I believe that leaders like you play a vital role in ensuring stability and providing much-needed economic opportunities for millions of people. This is our moment to develop our relationships and think big about our future together. Fundamentally, that is what this trade mission is all about.

Again, I want to thank our hosts for their warmth in welcoming our delegation – a delegation that embraces the potential for mutually-beneficial partnerships between the United States and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, and the entire Gulf region. Please do not hesitate to introduce yourself to our talented, accomplished, and yes – friendly – business leaders. They are not shy.

Thank you all for your wonderful welcome. All of us in the Obama Administration look forward to building an even more powerful and dynamic relationship between the seven United Arab Emirates and the 50 United States in the days, months, and years ahead.

Thank you.

About the U.S. Trade Mission to the Middle East:

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker is leading a trade mission to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar taking place March 8-14, 2014. The mission highlights infrastructure export opportunities for U.S. businesses with an emphasis on project management and engineering (construction, architecture and design), renewable energy (solar, wind, waste-to-energy), smart grid and energy efficiency, and environmental technologies (water/wastewater; air pollution control; and waste management). This mission advances President Obama’s National Export Initiative. Below, are the names of 21 U.S.-based companies that have joined Secretary Pritzker on the mission:

• AECOM Technology Corporation (Los Angeles, CA)
• AREVA Solar Inc. (Santa Clara, CA)
• C3 Energy (Redwood City, CA)
• ECC International, LLC (Burlingame, CA)
• First Solar (Tempe, AZ)
• General Electric Company (Fairfield, CT)
• Ghafari Associates, LLC (Dearborn, MI)
• Greeley and Hansen, LLC (Chicago, IL)
• Headworks International Inc. (Houston, TX)
• Innovari, Inc. (Austin, TX)
• Michael Baker International, LLC (Moon Township, PA)
• Pei Cobb Freed & Partners Architects LLP (New York, NY)
• Rapiscan Systems (Torrance, CA)
• Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (Chicago, IL)
• SolarReserve (Santa Monica, CA)
• STV Incorporated (New York, NY)
• the digit group, inc. (Collierville, TN)
• The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, MI)
• Thornton Tomasetti, Inc. (New York, NY)
• Universal Acoustics & Emissions Technology (Stoughton, WI)
• Zero Waste Energy, LLC (Lafayette, CA)

For more information, visit: http://export.gov/GCCMission2014/

About the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Abu Dhabi Chamber):

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry is an autonomous institution of public interest. Abu Dhabi Chamber enjoys its own legal entity to represent the various productive and services activities of the private sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Since its inception in 1969, Abu Dhabi Chamber has been working and co-operating with the Government and partners towards streamlining and regulating business and industrial affairs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, developing such affairs through the Chamber’s basic duties and strategic initiatives. The Abu Dhabi Chamber is striving to establish itself as a leading policy advocate in the Emirate in its capacity as the private sector’s partner and center for information. Abu Dhabi Chamber is the leading voice for the Emirate’s business community and one that is effectively networking with concerned public and private entities. The Chamber plays a major role as a supporter of and contributor to the economic development process, as well as an economic partner in contributing to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth. For more information, visit: www.abudhabichamber.ae

About AmCham Abu Dhabi:

AmCham Abu Dhabi (the trademark of the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi) is a member of the global network of American Chambers of Commerce. The AmCham Abu Dhabi mission is to promote commerce, investment and goodwill between the United States of America, the membership, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. AmCham Abu Dhabi is an independent, not-for-profit association comprised of Fortune 500 corporations, small and medium sized companies and prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs. AmCham Abu Dhabi provides a uniquely situated platform through which executives pursue and discuss issues impacting business operations between the U.S. and U.A.E. Substantive government advocacy programs, educational and networking programs and customized business service are just a few of the many benefits AmCham Abu Dhabi provides its members. Through the support of its members, AmCham Abu Dhabi has become the recognized voice of U.S. business in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit: www.amchamabudhabi.org

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Our members range from mom-and-pop shops and to leading industry associations and large corporations. They all share one thing in common—they count on the U.S. Chamber to be their voice in Washington, D.C. and nations around the globe. Through its International Division, the U.S. Chamber leads the business community’s efforts to shape global policy by advocating for free enterprise, competitive markets, and rules-based trade and investment. The U.S. Chamber’s Turkey & Middle East Affairs department is focused on both helping expand access for American companies in growing markets in the Middle East and attracting inward investment into the U.S. Through our affiliate organization, AmCham Abu Dhabi, and relationships with other key stakeholders, the U.S. Chamber is increasingly focused on strengthening and growing the bilateral economic relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States by supporting and promoting initiatives, policies and programs designed to increase investment and commercial activity between our nations. For further information, visit: www.uschamber.com

About the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council:

The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council is a progressive business advocacy organization solely committed to the advancement of the trade and commercial relationship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council provides its diverse membership unparalleled access to senior decision makers in business and government in the U.A.E. and in the U.S. The Business Council actively works to ensure that the U.S. and U.A.E. remain attractive destinations for foreign direct investment by conducting effective policy advocacy, undertaking various trade promotion initiatives, providing ongoing updates on the business climate in both countries, and helping develop strategic relationships between U.S. and U.A.E. business and government officials. For more information, visit: www.usuaebusiness.org