Mumbai: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized the significance of the UAE's economic ties with India during an official visit to Mumbai. He engaged in bilateral discussions with India's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Shri Piyush Goyal, and interacted with key business figures in the country.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Zeyoudi's discussions with Goyal centered on the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has been in effect since 2022. The talks highlighted sectors that could further benefit from the agreement's market access provisions. Additionally, Al Zeyoudi participated in meetings with stakeholders from logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and technology sectors, and attended a business roundtable organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). These engagements aimed to align priorities and promote increased trade and investment.
Al Zeyoudi highlighted the robust economic connections between the UAE and India, stressing the benefits of direct dialogue in enhancing cross-border cooperation. He remarked on the shared values and economic goals of the two nations, noting the substantial potential yet to be realized. Al Zeyoudi pointed out that the UAE-India CEPA has played a crucial role in boosting trade and investment by facilitating market access, increasing industrial productivity, and encouraging collaboration in key sectors. He noted that in the first half of 2025, bilateral non-oil trade reached US$37.6 billion, marking a 33.9% increase compared to the same period the previous year and demonstrating progress towards the ambitious targets set in 2022.
During his visit, Al Zeyoudi attended a presentation on Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million square feet complex in the Jebal Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in the UAE, operated by DP World. Bharat Mart is intended to help Indian manufacturers and exporters showcase their products and utilize the UAE's position as a global trading hub to access markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Al Zeyoudi also held meetings with leaders from the pharmaceutical and food industries, where business representatives from both India and the UAE assessed export performance, addressed existing issues, explored ways to enhance bilateral trade, and identified new opportunities for cooperation.
He concluded his visit by attending a reception dinner with Indian industry and business leaders, which further solidified relations and encouraged collaboration within the private sector. The visit highlighted the commitment of both nations to collaborate for continued economic growth and mutual prosperity.