Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for hosting me and Estonian delegation on my first visit to the United Arab Emirates. It is a pleasure to visit the Emirate of Sharjah, which after visiting Abu Dhabi and Dubai feels like a hidden gem.
I am glad to note the actively evolving economic ties between Estonia and Sharjah. You have extended a hand of friendship and have become one of the main partners for our entrepreneurs and the Embassy.
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been an excellent focal point. We have brought together start-ups and organized seminars on digital transformation, smart cities and mobility.
I heard that Sharjah has the best environment for doing business in the UAE. You have made it very easy to establish a firm and the tax-system is simple here.
These are the similarities we value in Estonia. We have developed digital solutions to lower the hurdles of starting a business. A company can be founded online with a few clicks nowadays. Our tax-system is simple and re-invested profits are not taxed.
Let me continue with an invitation - If you are planning to open a business in Europe, Estonia is an excellent place for that. Creating a business in Estonia opens up opportunities across Europe as we are part of the biggest market in the world, the EU. You may start it via becoming e-residents of Estonia. Many of our digital solutions can be also accessed through the e-residency program. The business friendly environment has made Estonia a hub for start-ups and technology companies.
A business visit of UAE entrepreneurs to Estonia is planned in May. We hope for active participation from the Members of your Chamber. We are also pleased to invite you to join the newly established Estonian-UAE Business Council –
a flagship initiative which will carry on after Dubai EXPO.
Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen,
I have been told Sharjah is famous for its culture, science and education. This is very close to my heart given that I am a scientist by profession and used to be the Rector of the largest public University in Estonia. This afternoon I was honoured to meet with the leaders of the University of Sharjah and also giving an academic lecture at this highly respected institution.
I believe that Estonia has also a lot to offer in the field of education and education technology. Our Education Technology solutions enabled us to meet the challenges of hybrid learning during COVID-19 era. We have a lot to share with the World in the field of digitalisation and technology in education.
In December, our Minister of Education together with a delegation of Rectors and Edtech companies visited Sharjah. Very inspiring ideas of cooperation emerged, from space to e-learning solutions for schools.
Sharjah Science and Technology Park has signed two memorandums of cooperation, with Tallinn Technical University and Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications. Estonia is also a leading country in developing genetic engineering and personal medicine. This success story has evolved thanks to universities and research institutions as well as the growing start-up sector.
We also hope to establish partnership with the Sharjah Book Fair in the near future and make Estonia a little more known to the wider audiences in the UAE.
Thank You for hosting me and our delegation, I hope that our wonderful friendship creates exceptional opportunities to businesses for both, from the Emirates and from Estonia.
Thank you for your attention.
