His Excellency, Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, the Minister of Environment and Water, has received last week in his office at the Ministry Headquarters in Dubai, Dr. Mohammed Issa, the Regional Director and the Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and His Excellency, Abdullah Sultan Al Funn AlShamsi, the Industrial Affairs Adviser at the Ministry of Economy.
The meeting was set to emphasize on the importance of cooperation between the parties in addition the importance of exploring and discussing programs that are expected to develop the country, in terms of future green economy projects and the development of existing industries and projects. The meeting also examined the introduction of the green technology concept which is predicted to contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution caused by factories.
From his part, His Excellency Dr. Rashid Bin Fahad said that "This meeting is a step towards achieving the UAE strategy for a green economy and sustainable development in the field of trade, industry and environmental energy capacity-building, and to identify the framework with the UNIDO to implement the green technology and green development strategy in collaboration with The Ministry of Economy". His Excellency, confirmed the importance of the active role of the Ministry's environmental performance card initiative, which is set to support the theme "Towards a Cleaner Production 2021".
The Ministry ensures the initiative targets would be met through the promotion of cleaner production concepts, to avoid the use of hazardous substances as much as possible, and raise the efficiency of industrial facilities, to reduce the emissions and waste that result from production processes, in order to reflect the adoption of cleaner production in the economic and environmental aspects. Some the environmental benefits that His Excellency emphasized on, that it will contribute to the reduction of pollutants –qualitatively and quantitatively-, and will reduce risks and industrial accidents, therefore, improve the quality of the environment, affect positively the human life, wildlife and biodiversity. Additionally, His Excellency addressed the economic aspect of the initiative, and indicated that such initiatives contribute to the reduction of costs related to operations and disposal of waste, in terms of providing energy and raw materials.
His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Funn Al Shamsi, the Industrial Affairs Adviser at the Ministry of Economy, said that they are adopting six initiatives, which will focus on creation of concepts that aim for the protection of environment against pollution. The initiatives will be launched in cooperation with the UNIDO to do sectarian surveying, and ensure significant information regarding the most environmentally damaging and polluting industries is collected, before launching the initiatives and project. Since the industrial sector in the country has witnessed a great expansion and major development which is reflected in the high growth rates as a result of the industrial competitive advantages enjoyed by many industries.
The meeting was attended by Dr. SaadEddinAl Nimeiri, the Minister Advisor, Her Excellency Dr. Mariam Al Shenasi, the Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs, His Excellency Mohammed Obaid Ali Al Zaabi, the Deputy Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs, and a number of directors of departments at the Ministry.