CEPA programme helps UAE's industrial growth: Minister
The UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme serves as a significant catalyst for the country's industrial sector, expanding access to markets around the world and integrating the nation into global supply chains, said Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
'The CEPA programme is not only creating access to diverse markets - it is also facilitating knowledge transfer and skills development across various sectors. As we innovate and diversify, we are building a robust industrial foundation that will sustain our economic growth,' he said participating in a panel discussion titled "Redefining Industry, Trade, and Investment" as part of the opening ceremony at the 'Make It In The Emirates' event.
He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing its industrial sector and boosting local production through strategic initiatives and global partnerships.
The 'Make It In The Emirates' event has emerged as a vital platform for manufacturers, investors, and industry leaders, focusing on the UAE's industrial and manufacturing opportunities. The event emphasises the nation's economic diversification, technological innovation, and sustainability, helping to drive export-led growth.
The strong growth of the UAE's goods export economy was highlighted in a recent report from the World Trade Organization, entitled 'Global Trade Outlook and Statistics'. That WTO report showed the UAE now ranks 11th globally in goods exports, with a value of US$603 billion in 2024. The nation rose six places in these rankings between 2021 and 2024, highlighting the effective nature of the UAE's industrial policy.
During the panel, Al Zeyoudi emphasised the crucial role of trade and investment in fostering sustainable industrial growth and enhancing global competitiveness.
The UAE's industrial strategy, underscored by initiatives like Project 300 billion and Make it in the Emirates, aims to shift the country's export base towards high-value, knowledge-based sectors, including advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, clean technologies, and logistics.
Al Zeyoudi added:"Through the CEPA programme we are helping to establish the UAE as a global hub for industrial excellence. By leveraging advanced technologies and creating synergies between goods and services, we are paving the way for a more diversified and resilient economic model."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
3 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Al Salam Bank Bahrain closes $450m AT1 capital issuance
Al Salam Bank has announced the successful closure of its $450 million additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital issuance, reflecting strong investor confidence in the Bahraini bank's financial strength and long-term growth strategy. The issuance, which was structured as a private placement and advised by ASB Capital (the Group's asset management and investment banking arm headquartered in the DIFC), attracted substantial demand from regional and international investors. The AT1 Capital issuance forms a key initiative within the Group's broader financial optimisation strategy, enhancing its capital position to support future growth plans. Following market leading annual growth exceeding 35% across balance sheet metrics, the issuance was designed to further enhance the Group's financial standing and capitalization profile. The issuance also underscores the bank's commitment to sustainable growth and financial resilience, positioning it as a leading and diversified financial group in the region. The significant investor demand highlights the Group's ability to access liquidity from regional and global markets, reflecting strong investor confidence in the Bank's strategy and financial position. ASB Capital was mandated by Al Salam Bank to advise and structure the issuance. As part of its Capital Markets offering, ASB Capital provides innovative and tailored financing solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients by leveraging market expertise and strategic partnerships. Most recently, ASB Capital was also appointed as a joint lead manager by Bapco Energies in Q1 2025 for its $1 billion Sukuk issuance. Rafik Nayed, Group CEO of Al Salam Bank and Managing Director of ASB Capital, said: "The overwhelming response to our $450 million AT1 Capital issuance is a testament to Al Salam Bank's financial stability, market credibility, and strategic direction." "Since 2020, we have consistently increased our total equity by more than 65%, and this issuance further strengthens our capital base and enhances our financial agility to execute our ambitious growth aspirations," stated Nayed. "We have recently rolled out an aggressive growth strategy across all Group companies. We are confident that the Group is well positioned to continue creating sustainable shareholder value," he noted. Nayed highlighted ASB Capital's ability to attract substantial investor demand, despite global market volatility, spotlighting the team's capabilities in the Capital Markets space. "By focusing on efficient capital raising and tailored financing solutions, ASB Capital connects clients to a broad network of funding sources, enabling them to adapt to market conditions and achieve growth aspirations," he stated.
Trade Arabia
4 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Combined Group secures $338m GCC infrastructure contracts
Kuwait-based Combined Group Contracting (CGC), a leading player in the Arab Gulf's contracting sector, has announced that it key subsidiaries have secured contracts worth $338.3 million from across the GCC region. The first contract worth AED 859.9 million ($234.1 million) for road construction works in UAE was snapped up by its local unit - CGC Company Emirates - from the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure. As part of the contract, the company will execute the upgrade of Emirates Road from Al Bade'a Intersection to E55 Intersection. The scope of work involves the construction of new bridges and intersections, as well as the improvement of existing ones. The entire work will be completed within a two-year period, said the company in a statement. Also CGC said it had snapped up two contracts from Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) worth KD32 million ($104.2 million). The first contract is related to external works of Jurassic production facilities in Umm Naqa area which will be completed in 19 months, while the second contract is related to Wafra Joint Operations (WJO) Gas Export Pipeline project.
Trade Arabia
4 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Cloud Spaces opens largest workspace at Downtown Dubai
Cloud Spaces, a leading provider of flexible fully furnished workspace in UAE, has announced the opening of its biggest location at Dubai Mall Fountain Views. This marks the sixth Cloud Spaces location in the GCC, and the second in Dubai, as the brand expands its footprint in response to the region's rising demand for dynamic, hospitality and design-led work environments. Cloud Spaces Dubai Mall Fountain Views is strategically situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, offering views of the Burj Khalifa and direct access to world-renowned retail, dining, and business destinations. More than just a workspace, Cloud Spaces Dubai Mall Fountain Views has been envisioned as a sanctuary for ambition and a place where creativity, collaboration, and growth emerge. From fully serviced private offices and semi-private offices to podcast studios, meeting rooms and collaborative coworking lounges, the space has been designed to enhance productivity and elevate the work life balance, it stated. "The launch of our Dubai Mall Fountain Views represents a defining moment for Cloud Spaces as we continue to reshape the future of work in the region," remarked Malak Smejkalova, the Senior Director at Cloud Spaces. "This marks our fifth location in the UAE, with four more in the pipeline, and follows the successful opening of our first international hub at Kingdom Centre in Riyadh in March," stated Smejkalova. "Our expansion reflects the growing demand for flexible, design-forward work environments that combine hospitality, convenience, and community, and we're proud to meet that need at the heart of Downtown Dubai," she added. One of the standout features that is exclusive to the Dubai Mall Fountain Views is its fully equipped, soundproof podcast studio. Purpose-built for high-quality podcast recording, this state-of-the-art space is designed to meet the needs of today's content creators and forward-thinking businesses. Fully stocked with industry-leading technology and available on a flexible booking model, the studio provides a stylish environment for impactful content production, making it a key attraction for those looking to record professional-grade podcasts with ease. "Driven by a hospitality-first approach, members will get to enjoy concierge-level service, premium amenities, and a collaborative community," said Smejkalova. A fully equipped auditorium offers an ideal setting for corporate gatherings, product launches, and networking events, with a dedicated events team ensuring every occasion is seamlessly executed. A range of meeting spaces is also available, including high-end majlis lounges, private meeting rooms, and boardrooms, perfectly designed to accommodate various group sizes and formats, she explained. These spaces are equipped with advanced technology, comfortable seating, and ergonomic elements to foster productivity and creativity.
