ADDED set to implement initiative promoting locally made precautionary health supplies and urges their purchase by local and federal government entities

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced that it is in the process of implementing a new initiative that would encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the private sector to promote their locally made products, particularly health supplies that would help prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It also urged local and federal government entities to take advantage of the availability of locally produced supplies.

H.E. Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, said that this initiative seeks to support private sector companies and motivate them to promote their products to local and federal government entities. This initiative will further boost the use of locally made products in Abu Dhabi following the restrictions and health precautions imposed to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that ADDED has already started coordinating with several companies producing products used to enhance the precautionary measures and limit the spread of COVID-19 infection, which has successfully supplied the first batch of about 250,000 surgical masks and has reached up to 1,100,000 masks supplied to federal and local government entities. 

H.E. Al Balooshi further called on all government entities to take advantage of these locally- produced supplies which were made by companies operating and registered in Abu Dhabi, and support the growth of local products, thereby boosting the private sector’s contribution to the overall economy of the emirate.

Al Balooshi commended government entities that have supported the initiative through its purchase of masks produced by a local company. He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the show of support to the initiative, which is aimed at placing local companies in Abu Dhabi at the forefront and enabling them to become partners of the government in the move to curb the spread and address the impact made by COVID-19.

H.E. added that the Department is currently working on its list of all local companies operating in Abu Dhabi which produce healthcare and precautionary supplies where local, federal and semi-government entities can purchase their requirements and include them in their procurement system, H.E. reiterated that this move will continue to support local companies and ensure their business continuity while also contributing to the government efforts in curbing the spread of the virus.