UAE Consul meets with local leaders in Pennsylvania to promote UAE-US ties

NEW YORK – October 17, 2016 –​ Majid Al-Suwaidi, Consul-General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in New York, has participated in a series of meetings with local government officials and business leaders in Harrisburg, State of Pennsylvania, to promote the UAE’s economic interests and identify areas of joint co-operation.

While in Harrisburg, he met with Mayor Eric Papenfuse as well as representatives from the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) and the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) to discuss business opportunities and economic growth in the UAE.

"As a long-time partner and investor in the United States, the UAE is keen on reinforcing our robust economic ties and supporting new trade and commerce opportunities," Al-Suwaidi said. "Pennsylvania ranks 15th in exports to the UAE among US states and, in 2015, exported more than US$300 million in merchandise to the UAE."

During his visit, Al-Suwaidi also delivered keynote remarks on the UAE’s approach to climate change at the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg (WACH) Energy and Environment Conference, hosted in collaboration with the Widener University Commonwealth School of Law.

In addition, he spoke to students from the Harrisburg Academy Centre for Global and Local Citizenship about the potential impacts of climate change for countries like the UAE and why it’s critical for young future leaders to understand the issue.

"Climate change and sustainability is a key pillar of the UAE’s national vision and strategies," he said. "We have made it a priority to engage youth, academia and businesses to develop solutions that both reduce global emissions and create new economic and social opportunities."

Al-Suwaidi’s trip to Harrisburg is part of efforts to strengthen UAE-US bilateral ties in key northeastern states.