U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Jose Fernandez will start later today an official four-day visit to the United Arab Emirates during which he will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in order to participate in the third session of the U.S.-UAE Economic Policy Dialogue (EPD), the State Department said Monday. According to a statement from the State Department, Fernandez will also meet with economic policy officials and business leaders to discuss deepening bilateral trade between the two nations and investment relationships. \"On March 27, in Abu Dhabi, Assistant Secretary Fernandez will lead the U.S. delegation in the bi-annual U.S.-UAE EPD, which serves as a coordinating and convening mechanism for economic and commercial agencies and ministries from the U.S. and UAE Governments,\" the statement said. \"The EPD provides a forum to identify action items to strengthen the U.S.-UAE economic and commercial relationships.\" \"Following the EPD, Assistant Secretary Fernandez will travel to Dubai to participate in an American Business Council roundtable. He will speak to students at American University in Sharjah about U.S. economic policy in the region. He also will hold meetings with a range of business leaders to discuss ways to promote economic growth,\" the State Department said.