UAE, Netherlands Sign MoU on Hydrogen Energy

The UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector. WAM
The UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector. WAM
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UAE, Netherlands Sign MoU on Hydrogen Energy

The UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector. WAM
The UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector. WAM

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Dutch Ministry for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on hydrogen energy, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Tuesday.

The MoU was signed by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, at the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, WAM said.

As part of their Joint Economic Committee, the UAE and the Netherlands have been in structured dialogue to identify common interests and create a partnership for decarbonization of the energy sector and increasing the use of clean hydrogen.

The ministers noted the importance of clean hydrogen, in particular green hydrogen from renewable sources to contribute to the countries’ emission reduction policy. They recognized the benefits of working together in setting up export-import corridors for clean hydrogen between the UAE and the Netherlands as a gateway to Europe.

"Such partnerships contribute to catalyzing the transition towards hydrogen energy, and support the two countries' orientation in formulating projects and initiatives to support the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and contribute to opening opportunities for growth and development, diversifying the energy mix, relying on clean energy, building concrete partnerships and enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries,” Al Mazrouei said.

Schreinemacher said that there is increasing pressure on current ecosystems to meet the burgeoning demand for energy resources without further eroding the ecosystem.

“The production and use of green Hydrogen Energy as an alternative to fossil fuel has an important place for both of our countries in our aim to achieve net-zero emissions. I very much welcome being here today to sign this important agreement in an effort to achieve our common goals for the future of our planet."



Saudi Commerce Minister Heads Delegation to Discuss Emerging Trends in Digital Trade Law in Austria

Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi speaks at the workshop in Vienna. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi speaks at the workshop in Vienna. (SPA)
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Saudi Commerce Minister Heads Delegation to Discuss Emerging Trends in Digital Trade Law in Austria

Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi speaks at the workshop in Vienna. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi speaks at the workshop in Vienna. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Commerce and National Competitiveness Center (NCC) Chairman of the Board of Directors Majid Al-Kassabi participated in the high-level workshop, "Emerging Trends in Digital Trade Law," in Vienna.

The event was organized by the NCC in cooperation with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Al-Kassabi headed a delegation of 32 officials representing 20 government entities who participated in the workshop sessions held on Thursday and Friday. The workshop was also attended by Saudi ambassador to Austria Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid Tawlah and UNCITRAL Secretary-General Anna Joubin-Bret.

During the opening session, Al-Kassabi said the growing global adoption of digitization has transformed trade, making it more efficient, reliable, and transparent. He emphasized that leveraging advanced and emerging technologies has reshaped local and international trade as well as consumer behavior, noting that Saudi Arabia is keeping pace with the trend through economic reforms.

Joubin-Bret noted that digital trade plays a pivotal role in shaping the international trade landscape, explaining that UNCITRAL and its partners, including Saudi Arabia, are working to establish international trade laws that support digital trade. She also the need for member states to collaborate on laws that bolster the digital economy.

In the first working session, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation Deputy Director José Raúl Perale discussed the latest developments in global digital trade law and comprehensive trade digitization.

The participants in the workshop included the Ministries of Commerce, Justice, Finance, Economy and Planning, Industry and Mineral Resources, Energy, Foreign Affairs, and Education; the General Authority for Foreign Trade; the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority; the Capital Market Authority; the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority; the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence; the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers; the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA); the Board of Grievances; the National Competitiveness Center; and the Bankruptcy Commission.