Eng. Al-Mansoori pointed out that 32 major companies and investment groups in the UAE are implementing major projects in the Kingdom, while the balance of Saudi investments in the UAE amounted to about 16.5 billion UAE dirhams by the end of 2015. He pointed out that despite these positive rates, the changes in the current regional and international scene, in particular the fluctuation of oil prices and the various political and economic challenges, require further coordination for our two countries to coordinate their economic partnership and develop new frameworks and approaches for cooperation during the next phase with participation of the private sectors of both sides. "We look forward with great interest to the results of this forum, which is one of the most important fruits of our close rapprochement. We will work to promote economic integration, raise the level of trade exchange, explore opportunities and development projects and open effective investment channels to suit the needs of the next stage as well as exchanging experiences and building new partnerships between the business communities of the two countries", Eng. Al-Mansoori said. He said that the two countries now share many commonalities in their development policies. This is particularly evident in the fundamentals of the UAE Vision 2021 and the Kingdom Vision 2030. For his part, Dr. Al-Gasabi stressed the importance of this forum as a step to strengthen bilateral ties and constructive cooperation in the vital sectors of the two brotherly countries, especially the economic, trade and investment. He pointed out that it was agreed to hold this forum every two years and to develop and adapt its mechanism and agendas in accordance with economic, trade and investment developments. He stressed the important role played by the business sector in both countries in harmony with the UAE Vision 2021 and the Kingdom Vision 2030 which focused on opening up wider areas to the business sector to be an important partner to facilitate its actions and encourage it to grow and become one of the largest economies in the world and become an engine of employment and a source of prosperity for the homeland and welfare for everyone. Dr. Al-Gasabi suggested holding the forum every two years, which will contribute to achieving the objectives of the forum to develop cooperation and coordination relations between businessmen in both countries and work to find solutions to overcome the challenges that may limit the development of UAE-Saudi trade and investment exchange. The forum, which was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, consisted of three working sessions: national transformation plans in the two countries under the UAE Vision 2021 and the Kingdom Vision 2030, industrial integration, and women’s role in economy. It also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in eight vital sectors including industry, tourism, petroleum, aviation, construction, financial services, foodstuffs, gold, ornaments, medicines and medical equipment. --SPA 19:41 LOCAL TIME 16:41 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w510025