UAE-India non-oil trade hit $37.6 billion in H1 2025, rising 33.9%, driven by CEPA and sectoral partnerships/Image: WAM
During an official visit to Mumbai, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met with top Indian government and business leaders to reaffirm and advance the UAE-India economic partnership. With the UAE-India CEPA driving a sharp rise in bilateral trade, both nations are now setting their sights on deeper sectoral cooperation and broader market access through initiatives like Bharat Mart and sustained industry-level dialogue.
Strategic talks to strengthen bilateral trade
UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, conducted high-level bilateral discussions in Mumbai with Shri Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Industry and Commerce. Central to their agenda was the ongoing success of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in 2022.Both ministers reviewed CEPA’s performance and identified key sectors—such as logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and technology—that could make greater use of the agreement’s market access benefits. The goal is to expand bilateral engagement beyond trade, into sustainable and mutually beneficial industry collaboration. According to Dr. Al Zeyoudi, “This visit underlines our shared values and economic goals, and reflects the vast potential that is still to be tapped.” He stressed that CEPA has significantly improved access to each other’s markets, boosted industrial productivity, and catalyzed cooperation in priority sectors.
Significant trade growth highlights economic momentum
Dr. Al Zeyoudi pointed to clear, measurable outcomes since CEPA’s implementation. Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and India reached US$37.6 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 33.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024.This growth is a substantial leap toward the targets set when CEPA was signed. It also reinforces the potential of both economies to leverage their complementary strengths. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to ensure broader opportunities for private sector players in both countries.
Business roundtables and stakeholder engagement
Beyond government-level talks, the UAE delegation actively engaged with India’s business community. Dr. Al Zeyoudi participated in a multi-sectoral business roundtable hosted by:
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
- Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
- Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
The roundtable was designed to align strategic priorities, address trade facilitation, and foster stronger investment channels. It included stakeholders from key sectors such as logistics, healthcare, agriculture, and technology, with an emphasis on creating clear roadmaps for future cooperation.
Bharat Mart: Expanding market access for Indian exporters
A major highlight of the visit was a detailed presentation on Bharat Mart, a massive 2.7 million square feet complex currently under development in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in the UAE.Operated by DP World, Bharat Mart aims to become a dedicated export and distribution hub for Indian manufacturers and exporters. The facility will help them showcase their products and tap into markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe by leveraging the UAE’s strategic position as a global trading hub.This project is expected to significantly enhance India’s export outreach and streamline trade flows through the UAE.
Sectoral consultations: Pharma, food, and future opportunities
Dr. Al Zeyoudi also attended focused stakeholder meetings with representatives from the pharmaceutical and food industries. These discussions examined current export performance, shared concerns, and explored new bilateral opportunities.Participants from both nations reviewed existing bottlenecks and potential areas for collaboration, aiming to ensure smoother trade dynamics and sector-specific growth initiatives.
Strengthening private sector links
The visit concluded with a reception dinner attended by Indian industry and business leaders. This gathering helped further solidify private sector partnerships, reinforcing the commitment of both governments to support business-led economic expansion. Go to Source
