UAE Signs Agreement with Council on Competitiveness

Omar O. Al Shamsi, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, and Council on Competitiveness Chairman Chad Holliday witness as Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Secretary General of the Emirates Competitiveness Council, and Deborah L. Wince-Smith, President of the Council on Competitiveness, sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. 

Washington, DC- Today, the Council on Competitiveness and the Emirates Competitiveness Council signed an agreement that will enhance economic cooperation between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.  The formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will initiate public and private sector partnerships to promote sustainable economic growth, develop global competitiveness policies, and foster high-value innovation in both nations.
 
Chad Holliday, Chairman of DuPont and the Council on Competitiveness, participated in today's event.  "Last week, President Obama called for enhanced collaboration with the Middle East. Not only do we strongly agree, but we have taken that call very seriously," said Holliday.  "We recently signed agreements with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with Egypt, and today with the United Arab Emirates. It is our sincere hope that this is just the beginning of a new economic era with our partners in that part of the world." (Watch an exclusive interview with Holliday)
 
Deborah L. Wince-Smith, President of the Council on Competitiveness, was thrilled, "At the Council, we believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. When America successfully collaborates with our international partners, it results in shared prosperity for everyone. Today's agreement is a tremendous step in that direction."  
 
On September 25, 2009 in Washington, DC, the Council will convene a network of the leaders of Competitiveness Councils from around the world.  This "Council of Councils" will bring together existing national competitiveness organizations, stimulate the creation of new ones, and foster ongoing national and global economic collaboration.