Page 637 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

UAE-India trade hits $100 billion 5 years ahead of

target as CEPA network expands

The India deal is one of 27 CEPA agreements currently signed, with several already in force and
others pending implementation

Published: Thu 1 May 2025, 10:54 PM

• By

• Haneen Dajani

Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: File

The UAE has reached a $100-billion trade milestone with India five years ahead of its target, UAE
Minister of State for Foreign Trade revealed on Thursday during a panel discussion on economic
diplomacy.
“We had aimed to reach that by 2030, but we did it by 2024,” said Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, describing
the achievement as a direct result of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
signed with India in 2022. That agreement was finalised in a record 88 days — a stark contrast to the
years-long timelines typical of major trade negotiations.

“Based on their (India’s) figures, since April 2024 until March this year, we exceeded $100 billion for
both oil and non-oil sectors,” he elaborated after the panel.
Minister Al Zeyoudi was speaking during a panel discussion following the release of the UAE
Economic Diplomacy Report 2024–2025. The report was prepared by the Anwar Gargash
Diplomatic Academy to serve as a reference for UAE diplomats across the world.

The India deal is one of 27 CEPA agreements currently signed, with several already in force and
others pending implementation. “There is a complete plan,” Al Zeyoudi said. “By the end of this year
and into next year, we expect to reach 40 to 45 agreements.”
The CEPA framework focuses on eliminating economic barriers such as tariffs and restrictive import
regulations, unlocking trade and investment flows in both oil and non-oil sectors. These
agreements are not only boosting volumes but are also helping shape the UAE’s diversification
strategy, with new investments targeting sectors like AI, clean energy, and advanced
manufacturing.
Another key takeaway from the discussion was the role of the private sector in shaping national
policy — particularly the UAE’s approach to talent and capital attraction.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/uae-india-trade-100-billion-dollars-cepa