Photo:WAM
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India continue to build one of the strongest economic partnerships in the world, as Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, visited Mumbai to deepen trade and investment ties with the South Asian nation.
During his official visit, Dr. Al Zeyoudi met with India’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Shri Piyush Goyal, where both sides highlighted the progress of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in 2022. This trade pact has already opened new doors for companies and industries in both countries, and the ministers agreed to explore how different sectors can make even better use of its benefits.
The talks between the two ministers underlined how CEPA is not just a trade deal on paper, but a living agreement that is helping businesses gain wider market access, reduce tariffs, and encourage joint ventures. Both countries see it as a foundation for future growth, as India remains one of the UAE’s largest trading partners and the UAE continues to be a key hub for Indian exports to the world.
After the bilateral discussions, Dr. Al Zeyoudi held several meetings with leaders from India’s major industries. These included sectors such as logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and technology – all of which are considered essential areas for long-term growth and innovation. The meetings were organized with the help of India’s top business associations to ensure maximum participation from leading companies and decision-makers.
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A special business roundtable brought together representatives from both countries to align priorities and develop fresh ideas to boost investment. This interactive session highlighted opportunities for collaboration in supply chain development, healthcare innovation, food processing, and digital transformation. Business leaders from both sides stressed the importance of working together to build sustainable and future-ready industries.
In addition, Dr. Al Zeyoudi engaged directly with senior executives from India’s pharmaceutical and food industries. These discussions focused on export performance, ways to overcome existing barriers, and steps to unlock new trade opportunities. The talks also emphasized how both nations can cooperate to ensure food security, expand the reach of medicines, and explore joint research in science and technology.
The visit was not limited to government-level talks but also focused on building strong people-to-people and business-to-business connections. UAE companies are keen to expand their footprint in India, while Indian businesses are equally enthusiastic about using the UAE as a gateway to the Gulf, Africa, and wider global markets.
Both sides expressed confidence that the trade relationship will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. With CEPA already delivering results, experts believe that sectors like renewable energy, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing will also benefit from this growing partnership.
India and the UAE share a history of deep friendship and mutual respect. Today, this relationship is not only cultural and social but also a strong economic alliance that has the power to influence global trade patterns. By strengthening cooperation in key industries, the two countries aim to create jobs, encourage innovation, and ensure prosperity for their people.
This visit also reflects the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a global trade and investment hub, connecting economies across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Similarly, India sees the UAE as a trusted partner that supports its ambition of becoming a leading global economic power.
The meetings in Mumbai are expected to pave the way for more business agreements, investment deals, and strategic partnerships in the near future. Both governments are committed to ensuring that companies and entrepreneurs on both sides continue to benefit from the close ties between the UAE and India.
