In a strategic move to strengthen Ajman’s global economic profile, the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has actively participated in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025, held from May 11 to 14 in National Harbor, Maryland, United States. The Summit, organized annually by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is widely recognized as the premier platform for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into the United States. With over 5,500 participants from 100+ countries and all 54 U.S. states and territories, the 2025 edition of the event marked one of the most vibrant and widely attended summits in recent history.
This year’s participation was not just another networking mission for the Ajman Chamber. Instead, it was a calculated, forward-looking initiative designed to create strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships, promote the economic potential of Ajman, and align with the broader strategic goals of the Ajman Vision 2030. The Chamber’s delegation, led by Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqer Al Nuaimi, Vice Chairman of the ACCI Board of Directors, engaged in high-level meetings, investment promotion sessions, and sector-specific dialogues aimed at showcasing the emirate’s thriving sectors and emerging opportunities.
Strengthening Ajman’s Global Investment Identity
The participation of Ajman in this high-profile summit was rooted in its ongoing efforts to reinforce its identity as an attractive destination for investment in the region. Ajman Vision 2030 outlines a comprehensive plan for sustainable economic growth, innovation, and diversification. As part of this vision, the emirate is actively exploring and investing in key sectors such as industry, education, healthcare, renewable energy, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, tourism, and construction.
The Chamber’s presence at the SelectUSA Summit offered an invaluable opportunity to directly connect with U.S.-based and international corporations, investment groups, venture capital firms, and government representatives. Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqer Al Nuaimi stressed the importance of aligning Ajman’s offerings with global investors’ expectations while highlighting the emirate’s strategic location, business-friendly regulations, and growing infrastructure as key selling points.
He also emphasized Ajman’s value proposition for businesses looking for a gateway into the Gulf region, citing its logistical advantages, stable political climate, competitive cost of doing business, and open economic policies as major incentives for prospective investors.
A Focus on Sectoral Collaboration
During the summit, the Ajman Chamber highlighted several promising sectors that have been prioritized for foreign direct investment. Industry and manufacturing remain at the heart of Ajman’s economic development strategy. The Chamber presented recent advancements in industrial infrastructure, smart manufacturing zones, and policies supporting ease of trade and production.
Healthcare and education were also presented as high-priority sectors, especially in light of growing demand and regional transformation in service delivery standards. The Chamber introduced investors to opportunities in establishing world-class hospitals, research centers, universities, and training institutions within the emirate. The focus on AI and innovation added a forward-thinking layer to Ajman’s investment pitch. By showcasing digital infrastructure readiness and government-backed initiatives promoting smart services, the Chamber sought to attract tech companies, startups, and innovators keen on entering the MENA market.
Additionally, tourism and real estate development featured prominently in the conversations, with Ajman offering rich cultural heritage, beautiful coastlines, and ambitious hospitality projects aimed at diversifying the economy and attracting tourists year-round.
High-Level Meetings and Strategic Dialogues
The Ajman delegation made the most of the Summit’s environment by holding a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with government officials, economic development boards, private equity firms, and corporate leaders from across the globe. These meetings provided opportunities for targeted discussions on potential joint ventures, investment facilitation mechanisms, and exchange programs.
Among the key meetings were those held with representatives from U.S. state investment departments and chambers of commerce, where the parties discussed mutually beneficial cooperation, trade facilitation, and knowledge exchange. The Ajman Chamber expressed interest in organizing reciprocal trade missions, investor forums, and innovation incubators that would allow entrepreneurs from both nations to collaborate and innovate together.
The delegation also participated in specialized breakout sessions covering investment policy trends, legal frameworks, digital economy integration, and sustainable development. These sessions provided the Chamber with valuable insights into how other cities and regions are leveraging innovation and FDI for economic transformation—lessons that could be adapted to Ajman’s unique context.
Enhancing Ajman’s Business Ecosystem
The Summit also served as a platform for the Ajman Chamber to learn from successful international practices and explore how to enhance its own business ecosystem. Ajman’s leadership recognizes that attracting investment is not solely about incentives or infrastructure—it is also about cultivating a conducive business environment where transparency, efficiency, and innovation are the norm.
In this regard, Ajman is taking concrete steps to digitize government services, streamline licensing procedures, and build specialized economic zones tailored to the needs of different industries. These zones are designed with investor comfort in mind, offering integrated services, custom legal frameworks, and competitive financial benefits such as tax exemptions and profit repatriation.
By engaging directly with stakeholders at the SelectUSA Summit, Ajman officials received valuable feedback on how to further strengthen the emirate’s offering and better meet investor expectations in the future.
Building Sustainable International Partnerships
The Ajman Chamber’s engagement at the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit underscores its broader strategy of fostering sustainable international partnerships. Beyond immediate investment gains, the Chamber is interested in long-term collaboration that encourages knowledge transfer, capacity building, and innovation.
Ajman’s commitment to sustainability also plays a role in this narrative. With the global investment community increasingly prioritizing ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors, Ajman is developing projects that meet these expectations—from eco-friendly industrial zones to green hospitality projects and smart city developments.
The Chamber’s leadership reiterated its openness to co-develop projects that align with global climate and sustainability goals, thus ensuring that investment in Ajman is both profitable and responsible.
The Road Ahead: Post-Summit Action
While participation in the Summit marks a significant milestone, the Ajman Chamber has already outlined a clear post-summit action plan. This includes follow-up meetings with key stakeholders, preparing customized investment proposals, and organizing targeted promotional events in partnership with U.S.-based organizations.
Furthermore, the Chamber aims to launch an investor portal to provide digital access to investment guides, regulatory frameworks, and opportunities in Ajman. This platform will serve as a one-stop resource for interested investors seeking to learn more and take the first steps toward establishing their presence in the emirate.
Plans are also underway to hold an “Ajman-U.S. Investment Forum” later this year, further solidifying the partnerships formed during the SelectUSA Summit and showcasing tangible progress made since the initial engagements.
Conclusion
Ajman’s participation in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025 stands as a testament to the emirate’s rising ambition and strategic vision for economic development. Through proactive engagement, sector-specific promotion, and a commitment to international cooperation, the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry has positioned the emirate as a dynamic, forward-thinking investment destination.
As global investors continue to seek out emerging markets that offer a balance of opportunity, innovation, and stability, Ajman is increasingly stepping into the spotlight. Its message at the summit was clear: Ajman is open for business, ready to partner, and determined to grow—sustainably and strategically—for the future.
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