The UAE's experiences in preparing for a future beyond oil offer learning opportunities for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in overcoming challenges created by the oil market volatility.

This was stated by Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui Cabinet Member and UAE's Minister of Energy in an opening address during the first edition of the Commonwealth of Independent States Global Business Forum (CIS GBF 2016) in Dubai organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"The CIS nations require long-term strategies to overcome challenges in the hydrocarbon sector. The UAE has shown that it is possible to prepare for challenges well ahead by developing an independent strategy away from oil" Al Mazroui said.

Al Mazroui called for easing of regulatory norms and more efforts to establish treaties in areas such as taxation and protection of investor interests.

He said CIS economies should look into diversification of energy resources as shown by the UAE which has significantly reduced its dependency on the oil sector the minister said.

Earlier welcoming the participants Majid Saif Al Ghurair chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the Chamber has hosted the CIS Global Business Forum in Dubai as it represents an ideal platform to open new horizons of cooperation between the UAE and Gulf-based companies and the promising markets in Central Asian countries.

Al Ghurair said the forum is particularly significant in view of the strong trade ties between the UAE and the CIS region over the years. Dubai's non-oil trade with the CIS grew from Dh15.5 billion in 2011 to Dh20.8 billion in 2014 whereas in the first half of 2015 non-oil trade between Dubai and the CIS region had already reached Dh7.8 billion Al Ghurair said.

A panel discussion on the topic 'Changing Synergies - The Reorientation of CIS Business' on the first day of CIS GBF 2016 highlighted the strategic importance of the CIS region to investors from GCC countries.

Jean-Marc Peterschmitt managing director for Countries of Operations and chief operating officer for banking European Bank for Reconstruction and Development UK said the CIS region with over 280 million people and a $2 trillion economy has created several projects with good returns.

There is considerable potential in sectors such as agro-business infrastructure and logistics which must be taken up by the private sector. Trade and investment in the region needs to be more global he added.

Peterschmitt said Gulf countries have increased their investments in the region. The challenge for the CIS countries is to open up their economies to sectors other than oil and attract investments and technology from other regions including the Gulf he said.

Ruslan Alikhanov president of Argo Investment Company Russia said GCC countries bring politically unengaged capital to the CIS region. The immediate requirement is to start developing business relations.

GCC countries have a big role to play since they are in a position to understand the real situation in the region he said.

Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai the forum has been organised under the theme 'Ancient Routes - New Opportunities' and explores opportunities on old trading links to neighbouring regions and beyond as well as new Economic Union Eurasian alliances.

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