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The two officials also discussed enhancing economic cooperation between the UAE
and Kerala in a number of areas, including tourism, advanced manufacturing,
circular economy, agriculture and innovation.

Kerala offers many promising economic and investment opportunities, Al Marri said,
and the two parties aim to provide more opportunities and capabilities for the private
sector and entrepreneurs.

Kamal Vachani, regional director of the Electronics and Computer Software Export
Promotion Council of India (ESC), and partner at Almaya Group, said the
remarkable 22.6 per cent growth in UAE-India non-oil trade is a testament to the
thriving economic partnership between the two nations.

“This milestone reflects the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect shared by the UAE
and India, strengthened further by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA). Such growth bolsters bilateral trade but also paves the way for
increased investments, innovation, and the exchange of expertise. It signifies the
UAE's strategic importance as a global trading hub and India's emergence as a
dynamic economic powerhouse,” he said.

“I am confident this upward trajectory will continue to unlock immense potential and
contribute to the broader economic development of the region and beyond,” added
Vachani.

During the meeting, the two ministers emphasised taking advantage of opportunities
that are offered by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(Cepa) signed earlier to boost bilateral trade.

The UAE-India Cepa came into force on May 1, 2022, offering greater access for
UAE exports entering the Indian market through the reduction or removal of tariffs on
more than 80 per cent of products as well as enhanced market access for UAE’s
service providers across 11 sectors and more than 100 sub-sectors among others.
The two countries are aiming to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion in the coming
years.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/economy/uae-india-non-oil-trade-jumps-22-6-to-53-8-
billion