Mohammed Al Raqbani on side of small firms

FNC member from Fujairah has been a member of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee since the beginning of his term three years ago.

ABU DHABI // Mohammed Al Raqbani has stuck to his area of expertise during council discussions.

The chief executive of Emaar Industries and Investments has been a member of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee since his term began.

He has not hesitated to voice his opinions when it comes to reviewing the UAE State Audit Institute’s reports on spending.

Despite breaches, he was optimistic that ministries are less likely to flout spending rules in the future.

“No doubt we have to give credit to the Government,” he said last year. “The report is better than last year, and the next will be better.”

After the UAE won the Expo 2020 bid, Mr Al Raqbani seized the opportunity in a public session and questioned the Minister of Economy about support given to small and medium enterprises (SME) and how to help them to benefit from the country’s successes.

He said benefits should go not only to international companies, but that SMEs should also profit.

“The Ministry of Economy should let SMEs know of what opportunities are available for them,” he said. “What support are we willing to give to these companies?”