A virtual meeting was hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) Chairman yesterday. It was reiterated on roles played by public and private sectors in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, ADDED Chairman, addressed about 400 ADDED employees, the Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development (ADCED), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED).

The meeting's central theme was to provide a talk to employees who are returning to work post lockdown.

Al Shorafa appreciated the efforts of ADDED employees in ensuring business continuity when COVID-19 broke out. He lauded the efforts made by human resources to engage employees during this critical hour.

He also congratulated employees for continuous interaction with each other and dedication while they were working remotely. Such engagement showed positive results and helped in crisis management.

The chairperson shared that 30 percent of ADDED employees are already working onsite. The rest has been directed to join the office gradually. The ADDED has also circulated vital information about healthcare and safety to keep them combat novel coronavirus.

Efforts of volunteers who worked along with ADDED's inspection teams have been praised. He also commended the "We all-volunteer," launched recently by the ADDED senior management.

To strengthen health safety measures and their implementation, posters detailing guidelines and reminders have been put up in offices.

The ADDED will also focus on the revival of the local economy, self-sufficiency, and strengthen economic growth and development.

Among other achievements, ADDED conducted more than 64,000 inspections and control campaigns across commercial facilities during the lockdown. The department dealt with more than 5,000 complaints from consumers. ADDED officials made 95,135 field visits to businesses and ran about 860 control campaigns in areas where workers live.

The ADDED confiscated about 1 million counterfeit and adulterated goods.

During the lockdown, the department several circulars on the precautionary measures to combat COVID-19. The department also conducted 11 economic studies and compiled other relevant data on the impact of COVID-19.

The department also implemented campaigns to raise awareness about community participation in curbing COVID.

In addition to all this, the Chairman conducted meetings with major private companies in UAE.  

WAM