BRASILIA: The United Arab Emirates, represented by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, reaffirmed its commitment to open and rules-based trade during the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Brazil. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of World Trade Organization (WTO) reform to promote multilateralism and ensure equitable access to global supply chains, highlighting the UAE's increasing influence in global trade discussions. According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Zeyoudi participated in two key sessions at the meeting, focusing on WTO reform and trade's role in sustainable development and investment. The UAE delegation, which included Juma Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs, and Saleh Ahmad AlSuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, underscored the significance of the decisions made at the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, known as the Abu Dhabi Declaration, as critical steps forward in areas such as dispute resolution. Dr. A l Zeyoudi called on G20 nations to renew their commitment to open trade as a catalyst for growth and prosperity while resisting protectionist measures that could impede progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. He also urged the adoption of technology to foster greener and more efficient trade practices, addressing challenges related to climate change and supply-chain disruptions. The UAE minister welcomed the 'G20 Compendium of Best Practices to Increase Women's Participation in International Trade,' highlighting the role of women-run SMEs in emerging markets. In his statements, Dr. Al Zeyoudi described the ministerial meeting as an opportunity for the UAE to advocate for trade as a bridge between nations, fostering productivity and innovation. He emphasized the need for a coordinated action plan to implement WTO reforms and maintain trade's potential to deliver sustainable growth globally. During his visit to Brasilia, Dr. Al Zeyoudi held bilateral meetings with leaders from vari ous nations involved in the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement program. These discussions included engagements with trade ministers from Singapore, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Australia, and Brazil, as well as representatives from the EU, Argentina, the UK, Switzerland, and China. The G20 countries represent a substantial portion of the global economy, accounting for 85 percent of global GDP and 75 percent of international trade. In 2023, the UAE's non-oil trade with G20 members exceeded US$393.2 billion, marking a 54 percent increase compared to 2019, further solidifying the UAE's role as a pivotal global trade hub and economic partner.