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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and members of the UAE Cabinet have expressed their sadness over the passing of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Cabinet has today endorsed the requirements to implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). TFA aims to facilitate cross-border trade by simplifying administrative and documentation requirements, as required by the government, on import and export and reducing costs as well as well following international criteria including electronic ones. The Agreement also aims to cut the red tape at the border by coordinating the work of concerned entities, which will eventually achieve balance by boosting trade, streamline the work of the customs that regulate the trade flow in the UAE.

The UAE Cabinet held its meeting today at the Presidential Palace and was attended by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, the UAE’s economy is by now one of the strongest and a model in the world. It is laying strong foundations for the country to assume its international economic leading position. HH Sheikh Mohammed added the UAE’s economy has become a safe and attractive destination to develop businesses and promote trade. Efforts will continue to foster an innovation-nurturing environment to realize the UAE Vision 2021 for a knowledge-based economy.

HH Sheikh Mohammed added "the Emirati economic model is a sustainable and responsible one ensuring a long-term prosperity for its citizens and residents alike. The economy is robust and can accommodate market changes, open new frontiers and diversity as we have strong infrastructure, technology and logistics." The UAE seeks to innovate new sustainable and competitive economic models as well as adopt more flexible approaches that boost cooperation between the government and private sector which suits its international position as a main economic player." The Trade Facilitation Agreement will contribute in increasing efficiency, flexibility and productivity in the labor market, given it is a priority for the federal government. It will help facilitate movement, develop businesses across the UAE.

On the other hand, the UAE Cabinet has discussed other topics on the agenda. The Cabinet approved the bylaws of the Etihad Rail through which the company will submit its contracts and agreements to an arbitration clause in case of any disputes. The Cabinet also approved the 2013 closing statement of the General Pension and Social Security Authority as well as the 2015 budget draft of Emirates Transport.

On the International level, the Cabinet endorsed a number of international agreements such as mutual visa waiver agreement with Seychelles and another mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports with Colombia. Another agreement with Brunei to establish a cooperation committee was also given the green light. Economic and technical cooperation agreements were also approved with Uruguay and Slovenia.