One team, one goal.

May 27th 2009

The Emirates Competitiveness Council (ECC) plans to boost the performance of all sectors in the UAE in a bid to enhance the country's competitiveness on a global level.

The UAE’s competitiveness strategy was discussed at the council's first meeting attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"The vision of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is to be one of the world's most competitive countries and engage UAE citizens in the development process," Shaikh Mohammad said.

"The council's aim is to boost the great achievements at the local and federal levels and to build upon them, as well as to improve coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve our development targets and the leadership's ambitions," he said.

"We need to work as one team because we have one goal, one leadership and a common vision. I do not want your efforts to be concentrated only on the important task of improving the country's ranking in the international competitiveness reports, but also to achieve sustainable and balanced development, provide the best standards of living to all UAE citizens and to improve their skills and capabilities," the Vice President said.

Shaikh Mohammad urged the ECC members to step up coordination to achieve the vision of the country's leadership.

"Whenever I meet my brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, and discuss public affairs, we agree on the same vision, same goals and same profound belief in the importance of collective efforts and teamwork.

"Your job is to build on that and to increase coordination in order to achieve the leadership's vision to become the world's most competitive council," he said.

"I am sure that we can, and this confidence stems from what we have achieved within the past 38 years."

Shaikh Mohammad said all employees, government staff, citizens and residents have a role to play in enhancing competitiveness by contributing in providing an ideal environment for business and life in the UAE.

"Competitiveness cannot be achieved just by simplifying procedures. This has to be coupled with best standards of education, healthcare, development of national human resources, a world-class infrastructure and provision of all means for decent living standards to citizens and residents."

Source; Gulf News