National ICV Programme supports sustainable growth

Several officials affirmed that the National ICV Programme has continued, since its launch within “Projects of the 50” under the umbrella of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), to achieve qualitative milestones that have contributed to the UAE’s industrial development, attracting local and foreign investments, and supporting the sustainable growth of the national economy.

This came in statements on the occasion of the adoption of a new logo for the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme through collaboration between MoIAT and strategic partners in both the public and private sectors.

Dr Saleh Al Hashmi, Head of Commercial Affairs and In-Country Value Promotion at Adnoc, said, “Adnoc is proud to be a key enabler of the National In-Country Value Programme. Since 2018, we have driven Dhs187 billion back into the UAE economy and created 11,500 jobs for UAE Nationals in the private sector. We are also supporting the Make it in the Emirates initiative and creating a wealth of local manufacturing opportunities for the private sector, as we work towards our target to manufacture Dhs70 billion of industrial products in the UAE by 2027. We will continue collaborating with MoIAT to empower local industries and enhance the UAE’s industrial base.”

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), said, “The council is committed to enhancing cooperation with its strategic partners to support and enable the National ICV Programme’s objectives, especially increasing the amount of Emirati talent working in private sector companies. In March 2023, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to create 500 training and job opportunities for local talent as part of the Industrialist Programme. Under the agreement, the three entities will align the skills of Emiratis with factories’ requirements, enabling them to thrive in the industrial and advanced technology sector.”

Al Mazrouei also highlighted the council’s participation in the Make it in the Emirates Forum to support initiatives that empower local talent, developing capabilities and skills to drive the vital sector’s growth and expansion.

Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, said, “As a partner to the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and a key player in the ICV programme, we take pride in the significant milestones achieved by this national initiative. We firmly believe that the ICV programme is a key catalyst driving growth and value across sectors especially healthcare. The only way we can fulfil our shared ambition of positioning the UAE as a global healthcare capital is by bolstering local industries, increasing internal resilience, and future-proofing our healthcare systems.

“Recognising that we are already a part of the 4th Industrial Revolution, we are future-proofing our healthcare system for a world of Technological Singularity. This involves enhancing the self-sufficiency of domestic products and establishing infrastructure through the adoption of advanced technologies, enabling us to lead the way to global competitiveness. PureHealth is dedicated to contributing to the enhancement of the sector, and we extend our commitment to actively support local healthcare manufacturing capabilities.”

On Thursday, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) adopted a new logo for the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme (renamed in Arabic). Since its launch as part of the Projects of the 50, the ICV Programme has achieved several milestones that have contributed to the UAE’s industrial development, attracting local and foreign investments, as well as supporting the growth of the national economy. Additionally, the programme has encouraged Emirati entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the industrial sector and diverted government procurement to local businesses. All this has contributed to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the UAE industrial sector.

Expanding the programme to a federal level was a key step in its development. The feat was achieved through collaboration between MoIAT and strategic partners in both the public and private sectors. Today, the programme represents a vital national initiative that promotes supply chain localisation, drives the development of new local industries, supports GDP diversification, and provides quality employment opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector.

Under the programme, there has been a significant spending increase on local products and services. Expenditure reached Dhs53 billion in 2022, a 26 percent increase compared to 2021. In 2023, this figure rose to Dhs67 billion - a 26 per cent increase. Investments by the UAE’s ICV-certified suppliers exceeded Dhs180 billion in 2023.

The National ICV Programme’s achievements are testament to the ministry’s efforts to leverage strategic partnerships to achieve the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.

Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said, “The ministry’s efforts are in line with leadership’s directives and the UAE’s strategic vision to achieve a leap in national developmental through the Projects of the 50. Through projects such as the National ICV Programme, we are empowering the industrial as well as investors in line with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.”The National ICV Programme is one of the cornerstones supporting the UAE’s ambitious national vision. It aims to build economic partnerships, support self-sufficiency in vital and priority sectors, empower national talent, and foster Emirati entrepreneurs under the Make it in the Emirates initiative. This initiative enhances the growth and competitiveness of the local industrial sector, both locally and internationally. It provides a supportive environment for the growth of SMEs, which benefit from localised government procurement.”