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Dubai Chambers explores stronger food and agribusiness ties with Ontario

As non-oil trade between Dubai and Canada reaches $3.43 billion, both sides are exploring new opportunities in food trade, agritech, and food technology.

[Source photo: Krishna Prasad/Fast Company Middle East]

Dubai Chambers has discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in the food and agricultural sectors between Dubai and Ontario, Canada, as part of efforts to expand trade and investment ties with key global markets.

The discussions took place during a meeting in Toronto between Dubai Chambers and Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in areas including food trade, agritech, and food technology, sectors increasingly viewed as critical to future economic growth and food security.

The meeting was attended by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers.

“Dubai and Canada are building a strong economic partnership shaped by shared interests and a common vision for future growth,” said Al Mansoori. “As the global economy continues to evolve at pace, it is increasingly important to broaden cooperation between our business communities and explore new opportunities in high-value sectors.”

He added that Dubai Chambers is focused on strengthening business ties with Canada in ways that support trade and investment flows, create new opportunities for companies, and contribute to a long-term economic partnership that delivers mutual benefits.

During the meeting, the Dubai Chambers delegation highlighted Dubai’s strategic advantages for Canadian businesses, including its geographic location, advanced infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and connectivity to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The delegation also outlined investment opportunities emerging from Dubai’s innovation-driven economy.

The discussions come as trade between Dubai and Canada continues to gain momentum. Non-oil trade between the two markets reached $3.43 billion in 2025, marking a 23.2% increase compared to the previous year.

Dubai Chambers has also expanded its presence in Canada to support growing business engagement. In June 2024, Dubai International Chamber launched its first North American representative office in Toronto. The office works with public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen commercial ties, promote Dubai as a global business destination, and support Canadian companies seeking to establish or expand operations in the emirate.

The visit forms part of Dubai Chambers’ ‘Growth Corridors’ initiative, which aims to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with high-potential international markets. Through the initiative, Dubai Chambers seeks to facilitate strategic partnerships, support joint projects, and create new channels for collaboration between Dubai-based businesses and their international counterparts.

The initiative also reflects Dubai Chambers’ efforts to help companies navigate evolving global economic conditions, regulatory developments, and investment trends while supporting their expansion into new markets.