During an official visit to Mumbai, UAE Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zayodi met with the top Indian government and business leaders to carry forward the UAE-India economic partnership. With a sharp growth in bilateral trade, the UAE-India CEPA, both nations are now setting their place on extensive regional cooperation and comprehensive market access through initiatives such as deep regional cooperation and India Mart and continuous industry-level dialogue.
Strategic talks to strengthen bilateral trade
UAE Foreign Trade Minister, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zayodi held a high -level bilateral discussion with India’s Industry and Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal in Mumbai. The Central UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was a continuous success for his agenda, which was implemented in 2022.The two ministers reviewed the performance of the CEPA and identified major areas – such as logistics, agriculture, healthcare and technology – which could use the market access benefits of the agreement more. The goal is to expand bilateral connectivity beyond trade, in durable and mutually beneficial industry cooperation.Dr. According to Al Zayodi, “This journey outlines our shared values ​​and economic goals, and reflects the vast capacity that is still to be tapped.” He insisted that the CEPA has greatly improved each other markets, promoted industrial productivity, and has been cooperated in priority areas.
Important trade development highlights economic pace
Dr. Al Zayodi explained the result of clear, average since the implementation of CEPA. The 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 in 2024 as compared to the same period.This increase is a sufficient leap towards the prescribed goals when the CEPA is signed. It also confirms the ability of both economies to take advantage of their complementary powers. Dr. Al Zayodi emphasized the importance of continuous cooperation to ensure wide opportunities for private sector players in both countries.
Business rounds and stake engagement
Beyond the government level talks, the UAE delegation actively attached to the commercial community of India. Dr. Al Zayodi participated in a multi-regional business roundate, which was hosted:
- Confederation of Indian Industry
- Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Federation
- Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham)
The roundateable was designed to align strategic priorities, address trade facilities and promote strong investment channels. This included stakeholders from major sectors like logistics, healthcare, agriculture and technology with emphasis on creating clear roadmaps for future support.
India Mart: Market access expansion for Indian exporters
A major attraction of the trip was a detailed presentation on the Bharat Mart, which is currently a huge 2.7 million square foot campus under development in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in the United Arab Emirates.Powered by DP World, India Mart is aimed at becoming a dedicated export and distribution center for Indian manufacturers and exporters. This feature will help them show their products and tap in markets in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, taking advantage of the UAE strategic status as a global trading center.The project is expected to increase India’s export outreach and streamline trade flow through the United Arab Emirates.
Regional Counseling: Pharma, Food and Future Opportunities
Dr. Al Zayodi also participated in the focused stakeholder meeting with representatives of the Pharmaceutical and Food Industries. These discussions investigated current export performances, shared concerns, and discovered new bilateral opportunities.Participants of the two nations reviewed the existing hurdles and potential areas for cooperation, which aims to ensure smooth business dynamics and field-specific development initiatives.
Strengthen private sector link
The journey ended with a reception dinner participating by Indian industry and business leaders. The gathering helped strengthen the private sector participation, which strengthened the commitment of the two governments to support the business -led economic expansion.
