Latest news with #JochenKnecht
Fintech News ME
5 days ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Mastercard, IFZA and Global Tax Assistant Launch AI-Powered SME Registration Pilot in UAE
Mastercard has partnered with IFZA, a UAE free zone, and international consulting firm Global Tax Assistant to introduce a fully digital, AI-driven business registration process in the country. The initiative aims to support the growth of SMEs and facilitate their expansion into Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EEMEA). SMEs account for over 94% of businesses in the UAE and contribute more than 50% of the nation's GDP. The UAE's National Agenda for Entrepreneurship and SMEs seeks to position the country among the top three nations in the Global Entrepreneurship Index by 2031. According to the partners, this project is one of the first AI-powered business registration pilots in the region, reflecting collaboration between the public and private sectors to support SME development through technology. 'The thriving SME economy forms the beating heart of the UAE's diverse business landscape. At IFZA, we believe SMEs are the prototype of tomorrow's global companies, driving innovation, job creation, exports and new business models,' said Jochen Knecht, Chief Executive of IFZA. 'We work together with our partners to equip the country's small business community with the tools and resources they need to succeed.' The process, from document submission to license issuance, will be managed through AI, with automation applied to form completion, document verification and communication workflows, aiming to reduce setup time and operational costs. Mastercard business card holders will be able to access discounted business setup services as part of the arrangement. 'Our collaboration with IFZA and Global Tax Assistant enhances the value we deliver to our business customers, while supporting the UAE's vision of a thriving digital economy,' said Onur Kursun, Executive Vice-President for Commercial and New Payment Flows, EEMEA, Mastercard. IFZA hosts startups from more than 160 countries and offers infrastructure, facilities and business regulations designed for entrepreneurs. Global Tax Assistant provides accounting, legal, auditing and tax consultancy services to clients in the UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IFZA strengthens strategic partnership with BVMW to showcase UAE to German businesses at Zukunftstag in Berlin
Dubai, UAE – Reinforcing its commitment to strengthening bi-lateral business ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany, IFZA played a central role at this year's Zukunftstag (Future Day) in Berlin, hosted by the Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft e.V (BVMW), the German Federal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses. This marks the second consecutive year of partnership between IFZA and BVMW at Zukunftstag, underlining a shared vision to unlock global opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs. Aligned with IFZA's mission to bring Dubai to the world and the world to Dubai and marking a pivotal step in its strategy to support Dubai government's ambitious D33 initiative; the partnership reiterates the organization's commitment to building bridges and forging meaningful connections across borders to unlock international business opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Commenting on IFZA's involvement with BVMW and Zukunftstag, Jochen Knecht, IFZA's CEO commented: 'IFZA has an impressive track-record of successfully serving the German business community, and we are thrilled to have been part of this landmark event for the second consecutive year. At IFZA we believe that business has a unique 'superpower' to bring people together. No matter how different we may be, there is common ground to be found by working together. Our presence at Zukunftstag not only supports German businesses in their international expansion but also strengthens the UAE economy by driving Foreign Direct Investment.' 'As a global business facilitator, IFZA connects businesses and entrepreneurs from around the world to the UAE, enabling them to optimize and unlock opportunities, and create meaningful impact to the UAE and beyond.' Speaking at the event, H.E. Ahmed Al Attar, UAE's Ambassador to Germany said, 'It was my pleasure to attend for the second consecutive year at Zukunftstag Mittelstand — an excellent platform celebrating the strength and innovation of German SMEs. I was pleased to visit the IFZA booth, one of the event's key sponsors, and to engage in a productive roundtable with over 18 companies, highlighting the growing interest in the UAE's dynamic opportunities and our shared commitment to deepening economic collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and the Federal Republic of Germany.' Germany is among the most important suppliers and contributors to the UAE's economy with a history that spans more than 50 years. The UAE is home to around 1,200 renowned German companies, with approximately 30,000 German citizens living in the country. The event brought together influential voices from Germany's SME sector, international partners, and government stakeholders, offering a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership opportunities. Commenting on IFZA's relationship with BVMW and continued support of Zunkunfstag, Christoph Ahlhaus, Chairman of the Federal Executive Board of the BVMW, said: 'It was a pleasure to once again welcome IFZA once again as the main partner at the largest SME event of the year. This partnership underlines the successful cooperation between the BVMW and IFZA and creates valuable synergies on both sides, as well as new growth opportunities for German SMEs.' As a key milestone in its global outreach, IFZA's presence at Zukunftstag 2025 further cemented its role as a trusted gateway between Germany and the UAE, enabling businesses to grow beyond borders. BMVW's office at IFZA's premises in Dubai connects its membership with the UAE market and serves as a hub for connecting German businesses with potential partners across the region. IFZA's ongoing international expansion includes dedicated offices in Berlin and Frankfurt, offering localized support for German entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the UAE. The company continues to extend its global presence with established offices in Spain, Switzerland, China, Austria and Denmark, and additional offices are planned for the UK, Pakistan, India, Africa, and Latin America in the coming year. About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@ M: +971 56 415 3075
