UAE sets up nationwide COVID-19 economic recovery board

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A new National COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Management and Governance Committee has been launched in the UAE to ensure an efficient revival from the pandemic.

Chaired by Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, the panel includes members representing a number of ministries and federal departments.

It will develop proactive support programmes for various sectors by identifying their roles and key performance indicators with a view to ensuring a safe return to normalcy across society.

The Supreme Committee for COVID-19 Crisis Management announced the launch in line with the UAE Government's increased efforts to combat the coronavirus.

The new body is mandated to ensure efficient recovery from the pandemic by leveraging the resources required for business continuity.

Its responsibilities entail establishing an electronic data link for digital indicator-based statistics and identifying the financial and economic resources required for supporting the recovery phase.

While working on developing the strategic recovery plan, the Committee will focus on consolidating the nation's strengths and competitive advantages.

It will apply to the key focus sectors aligned with the National Priorities ensuring security and sustainability including Food, Water, Energy and the Pharmaceutical Industries.

Artificial Intelligence, 5G, healthcare, telecommunications, infrastructure, supply chains and logistical services will also benefit.

In addition, the Committee aims to meet domestic demand by boosting the local value-added content in a way that supports SMEs.

The UAE leads Arab nations, by standing in thirty-seventh place in the global COVID Economic Recovery Index Ranking, developed by the Horizon Research Group.

A number of factors have contributed to attaining this top position, including synergy and concerted efforts while handling the health crisis, the availability of proactive crisis management plans, the government’s reliance on state-of-the-art technologies, advanced infrastructure and institutional efficiency.

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