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“This isn’t a static agreement,” noted an Indian commerce ministry official. “Every meeting
produces concrete solutions—whether it’s simplifying paperwork or aligning product standards.”

Future growth may hinge on infrastructure like the Bharat Mart, a Dubai-based megaproduct
inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Designed as a “one-stop shop” for global buyers to
access Indian goods, the facility is expected to streamline exports across sectors from textiles to
engineering goods.

As protectionism rises elsewhere, the UAE-India partnership offers a template for South-South
cooperation. The Indian Commerce Ministry credits Cepa with empowering MSMEs, generating
jobs, and creating “a new era of economic diplomacy.” For the UAE—already the Arab world’s
second-largest economy — the pact reinforces its role as a gateway linking Asia, Africa, and
Europe.

“We’re not just on track to hit $100 billion—we’re redefining what’s possible,” concluded
Kottikollon. With bilateral trade growing at over 20 per cent annually since Cepa’s implementation,
that future may arrive sooner than anyone imagined.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, with Indian Ambassador
Sunjay Sudhir; Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul-General of India; UIBC-UC Chairman Faizal Kottikollon;
and other senior members of UIBC-UC at the anniversary celebrations.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/uae-india-cepa-ignites-big-trade-boom-nears-100-
billion-target-3?_refresh=true