With the phrase: "We look forward to welcoming investments in Greek startups from the United Arab Emirates," said Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank (EDB), has extended an invitation to investors and startups from Greece to join the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Greek Innovation Business Forum. An event held at the Sustainability District at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The forum was hosted by Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Development and Investment of Greece. The event was also attended by Ioannis Smyrlis, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commissioner General of Greece.

The Greek mission for Investments in Greek startups

The Greek Innovation Business Forum was attended by a delegation of 16 Greek start-ups. The startups participate in the Elevate Greece, the official platform and leading support resource for the Greek startup ecosystem. Seven Greek research centres and one innovation and technology park also participated.

The visit of the Greek delegation aimed to attract investments in Greek startups from the United Arab Emirates, Business Angels, Venture Capital Financiers , Startups, Incubators and Research Centers.

Speaking about Innovation and Start-ups, Al Naqbi said the United Arab Emirates is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and startup Ecosystem. In this context, a number of initiatives have been launched to support this strategy.

"At EDB, we are committed to playing a key role in enhancing the UAE's economic attractiveness as a hub for pioneering and innovative industries," he said.

In light of this strategy, Emirates Development Bank is committed to providing more than €7.3 billion euros (€30 billion Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) in financial support to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in general, involved in priority industrial sectors, namely:

• processing
• healthcare
• infrastructure
• food security
• technology

He reaffirmed EDB's commitment to attracting innovators and start-ups from around the world. EDB strives to strengthen the UAE's position as an international hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

In addition, Al Naqbi stressed the strong trade and economic ties between the UAE and Greece.He noted that total trade between the two countries amounted to 298.2 million in 2020. "Their relations are ready to be further promoted, in particular by following a stronger growth trajectory," he added.