Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, highlighted the strength of the UAE’s economic partnership with India during an official visit to Mumbai. He met with Shri Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, and engaged with senior members of the country’s business community.

Discussions with Goyal focused on the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in 2022, and explored opportunities to expand its impact across priority sectors.

Al Zeyoudi also met with representatives from the logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and technology sectors, and participated in a business roundtable hosted 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). The discussions centered on aligning priorities and strengthening trade and investment flows between the two nations.

According to Al Zeyoudi, CEPA has accelerated bilateral trade by improving market access, boosting industrial productivity, and fostering collaboration in key sectors.

He highlighted that non-oil trade between the two countries reached $37.6 billion in the first half of 2025, up 33.9% from the same period last year, reflecting progress toward the goals set under the agreement.

The visit also included a briefing on Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million-square-foot complex under development in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). Operated by DP World, the facility is designed to help Indian exporters showcase their products and leverage the UAE as a gateway to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Al Zeyoudi also met with representatives from the pharmaceutical and food sectors to review trade performance, address challenges, and explore new areas for cooperation. The visit concluded with a reception attended by Indian industry leaders, highlighting the commitment of both nations to advancing private-sector collaboration and strengthening economic ties.