Abu Dhabi: The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Finance, has hosted the first-ever BRICS event in the country, the BRICS Finance Track Working Group Taskforce on Public-Private Partnership and Infrastructure (TFPPPI). The meeting, held from 5th to 6th May in Abu Dhabi, brought together senior government officials, international experts, representatives of global financial institutions, and private sector leaders.
According to Emirates News Agency, as part of the meeting, the Ministry of Finance organised a high-level seminar titled "A New Era of Growth: Reimagining Infrastructure Financing in BRICS Countries", exploring ways to develop innovative mechanisms for financing infrastructure projects and expand public-private partnerships. In addition, the visiting delegation toured Masdar City, where participants were briefed on leading public-private partnership projects in the UAE across various sectors, including energy, sustainability, and transport, showcasing the country's commitment to implementing effective and innovative solutions in infrastructure development and financing.
The event was attended by notable figures such as Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; Antonio Freitas, Undersecretary for International Affairs, Brazil Ministry of Finance; Ambassador Tatiana Rosito, Secretary for International Affairs at the Brazilian Ministry of Finance; and Sidney Leon Romero, Brazilian Ambassador to the UAE. Younis Haji AlKhoori highlighted the UAE's growing role as a trusted partner in global economic cooperation and redefining infrastructure financing in collaboration with the private sector. He emphasized the importance of strengthening public-private sector partnerships to promote sustainable growth.
Ambassador Tatiana Rosito expressed gratitude on behalf of the Brazilian Presidency of BRICS and highlighted the significance of the Task Force meeting on Public-Private Partnerships and infrastructure. She emphasized the importance of fostering stronger bilateral and multilateral relations and identifying new opportunities for collaboration among BRICS nations.
Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, noted the visit by the BRICS delegation to Masdar City as a testament to the city's growing global reputation as a hub for sustainable and innovative development projects through the public-private partnership model. He highlighted several flagship initiatives and emphasized the UAE's commitment to advanced solutions in financing and delivering infrastructure projects.
The seminar featured dialogue sessions addressing challenges and opportunities in infrastructure project financing, highlighting BRICS countries' experiences and global best practices. Topics included innovative financing models for social infrastructure projects, blended finance for climate-resilient infrastructure, project structuring and preparation, investment challenges, risk mitigation alternatives, and the role of insurers. The second day focused on government and industry perspectives, policy and implementation challenges, and the future of PPPs and infrastructure investment.