President Sheikh Khalifa has issued a decree outlining the specific roles of three ministries and identifying the duties of ministers.
His decree covers the Ministry of Development and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy.
The latter two now have additional functions.
The Ministry of Development and International Cooperation is to submit a proposal for approval by the Federal Council of Ministers regarding public policy on foreign aid, among other areas.
It will also work to improve regional and international awareness of the UAE’s role in providing support overseas and be responsible for enhancing relations with other countries.
The ministry is tasked with identifying the size and type of support that can be provided by the UAE in collaboration with relevant authorities.
It will also be responsible for enhancing the state’s relations with benefactors in other countries, regional organisations and international governmental and non-governmental organisations.
The Ministry of Finance will now be able to identify countries that may offer the UAE investment protection and promotion. It will also negotiate and sign bilateral agreements on the protection and promotion of investments, conclude agreements for foreign investment, and resolve obstacles or problems that prevent the application of international conventions on foreign investment.
The Ministry of Economy is now able to propose policies to enhance trade and promote the UAE in foreign markets.
It will build contacts and negotiate treaties and agreements covering foreign trade, and monitor their implementation.
The ministry will also represent the UAE in exhibitions and regional and international conferences in all areas related to foreign direct investment, and work to create an attractive investment environment.
It will work to unify and facilitate procedures for the registration and licensing of foreign investment projects.
The ministry will also establish a comprehensive database on investment interests and submit periodic reports to the Federal Council of Ministers about the investment environment in the country. Officials will monitor and assess the extent of foreign investment and the annual flow of investment.
Ministers are to perform the duties and specialisations of their positions as per the law, in addition to the tasks and functions assigned to them by the Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, by authorised representatives, and by the Federal Council of Ministers.
The Presidential decree also announced the dissolution of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, with the Ministry of Economy taking on its tasks, rights and obligations.
The Ministry of Development and International Cooperation is to take on the role of the now disbanded Office for Coordination of Foreign Aid.
Sheikh Khalifa also issued a decree establishing a representative organisation of the Office of the President.
Its duties will be to support the President’s representative in carrying out honorary duties, receiving delegations, and any other duties assigned to it.
The organisation will consist of three departments – the Department of Support Services, the Protocol Department, and the Department of Finance.
It will be allocated a budget assigned by the Department of Finance in Abu Dhabi, which will be dispensed and supervised in accordance with the regulations of the emirate.
A director of a rank equivalent to the under secretary of a ministry will head the organisation and will be appointed by federal decree.
malkhan@thenational.ae
