Latest news with #ThanibinAhmedAl-Zeyoudi
Al Etihad
28-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE, EU continue talks on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
28 May 2025 18:30 DUBAI (WAM) Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, welcomed Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, to the UAE for ongoing talks regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the visit also included an investment roundtable with representatives from leading private sector companies, aimed at exploring opportunities for increased collaboration and investment flows between the EU and UAE-EU CEPA is poised to be a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties and unlocking new avenues for trade and agreement will pave the way for the removal of trade barriers, enhance market access for goods and services, and stimulate investment in key sectors. By consolidating access to the EU market, the second largest economic bloc in the world, the CEPA will reinforce the UAE's status as a global trade and logistics EU is already one of the UAE's key trading partners, accounting for 8.3% of non-oil trade. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two reached $67.6 billion, representing a growth of 3.6% over Zeyoudi emphasised the importance of the CEPA with the EU, stating, "Our negotiations toward a UAE-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is of great importance to both the UAE and the EU and represents an extraordinary opportunity for us both to enhance trade and investment ties that will foster greater collaboration and create mutual benefits and prosperity. By working together, we will strengthen our supply chains, drive innovation, and create jobs that will benefit our communities and economies for many years to come."Maroš Šefčovič commented, "Europe continues to be a reliable trading partner, which respects the deals it makes. And it is natural to seek to grow our relations with long-standing and trusted partners like the United Arab Emirates. A bilateral FTA would unlock tremendous business opportunities for European and Emirati businesses alike. "Our aim is therefore to reach an ambitious deal that is commercially meaningful on both sides – one that brings tangible, lasting benefits, along with predictability, so essential to any successful business. This would add strength to our regional cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries."During the investment roundtable, representatives from the UAE and the European private sectors engaged in discussions to identify mutual investment opportunities that can drive innovation and sustainable economic flows between the UAE and EU are strong and robust, with recent partnerships in data centres in Italy, solar plants in Spain, and neighbourhood redevelopment in Budapest.A UAE-EU CEPA has the potential to unlock further opportunities, including a $50 billion AI data centre deal with France and a $40 billion commitment in Italy's energy and defense CEPA programme is a key pillar of the UAE's foreign trade agenda, reflecting the nation's commitment to open, rules-based trade to drive economic growth and diversify its economy. By enhancing access to global markets and establishing stronger trade and investment flows with partners around the world, the CEPA programme has contributed to a record non-oil trade of $816 billion in 2024, marking a 14.6% increase over 2023.
Al Etihad
07-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
AIM Congress: UAE underscores longstanding commitment to investment-led growth & global partnerships
8 Apr 2025 00:12 ABU DHABI (WAM)Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasised the UAE's long-standing commitment to investment-led growth and global minister made the remarks in his opening keynote of the AIM Congress 2025, one of the world's premier platforms for foreign direct investment and economic cooperation, which officially opened today in Abu Dhabi. The event sets the stage for global dialogue on sustainable investment, technological advancement, and inclusive economic development.'Our approach is deeply embedded in our national policies. These are not just ambitions—they are realities already shaping communities across the world,' said Dr. Alzeyoudi.'In 2023 alone, the UAE allocated $22.3 billion to international projects across developing markets, driving infrastructure development, renewable energy, education, and healthcare.'He highlighted major UAE-led investments, including $4 billion in port expansions across Pakistan, Georgia, Angola, and Kazakhstan, as well as over $50 million invested globally in renewable energy projects such as floating solar farms and wind energy solutions. These efforts reflect the UAE's comprehensive model of economic diplomacy—leveraging capital to build resilience, modernize industries, and foster global collaboration.'This investment model is not just for the UAE; it is a blueprint for the world,' he added. 'We envision a globalized investment landscape where economic growth, social development, and international stability go hand in hand.'The opening session also witnessed a high-level address by Vahagn Garniki Khachaturyan, President of Armenia, who echoed the importance of strategic investments, focusing on the role of innovation, education, and cooperation in a rapidly transforming global economy.'In Armenia, we see infrastructure as the foundation for growth, but we are equally committed to investing in creative technologies and education,' said President Khachaturyan. 'We are preparing our youth for the future by building hubs for AI, robotics, and next-generation tech.'The Armenian President underscored the urgent need to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights, positioning responsible investment as a critical tool in tackling these issues. He called for simplified investment procedures, strengthened international cooperation, and the creation of open, stable ecosystems for investors.'Armenia is stable, peaceful, and ready to play a constructive role in shaping the future of global investment,' he said. 'Let us build a world where opportunity and progress are shared by all.'The AIM Congress 2025 continues throughout the week, bringing together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from around the world to explore transformative investment strategies, sustainable development goals, and global partnerships for Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo, also addressed the event, highlighting the vast investment potential of his country and outlining a strategic vision for sustainable development and global Sassou Nguesso stressed Congo's commitment to becoming a central hub for transformation and international investment. 'By 2050, we aim to transform the lives of 2 million inhabitants,' he stated, pointing to infrastructure modernization, clean energy initiatives, and agricultural development as the key pillars of showcased Congo's wealth of natural resources—gold, zinc, diamonds, petroleum, and gas—as vital economic drivers, positioning the country as a strategic trade gateway. "Congo is strategically located, serving as a principal point of entry and exit for goods," he line with global sustainability goals, the President also announced major investments in hydroelectric and solar energy, aiming to ensure widespread access to clean and reliable power. He reiterated Congo's readiness to support entrepreneurs and modernize public services to boost on the global investment community, President Sassou Nguesso remarked, 'Investing in Congo is not just an opportunity; it is a win-win proposition for all. We are committed to making our country a destination of choice for long-term collaboration and shared prosperity.'Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, delivered a profound and forward-looking speech during AIM Congress 2025, underscoring the urgent need for unity, sustainable development, and strategic investment across the Arab world in the face of growing global drew parallels between current geopolitical tensions and the instability and he urged Arab nations to safeguard their national interests while strengthening regional focus to economic development, Aboul Gheit stressed the Arab region's enormous potential, particularly its youthful population. 'More than 60% of the Arab population is under the age of 30. This represents an extraordinary opportunity,' he said. He advocated for the empowerment of youth through investment, entrepreneurship, and during the Global Leaders' Debate at the AIM Congress 2025, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, spotlighted the nation's remarkable investment potential amidst ongoing a global audience, Tuluka emphasised the strategic importance of the DRC's mineral wealth, fertile land, and youthful population. She acknowledged the infrastructure and energy constraints facing the country, largely shaped by the legacy of conflict, but reframed them as key areas for impactful investment.'Our diversity, our minerals, and our role in the climate conversation uniquely position us on the global stage,' she said. 'We are welcoming investment into these sectors and have enacted progressive policies to ensure that partnerships yield mutual benefits.'The Prime Minister emphasised Congo's substantial consumption potential and the promise of a dynamic workforce to drive long-term economic growth. She called on global investors to recognise the DRC not only as a resource-rich country but as a future hub of sustainable development and inclusive opportunity.'Investing in the Democratic Republic of Congo means investing in a shared future,' she Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, stressed the region's rapid growth, technological innovation, and resilience amidst global AIM Congress a key platform for global economic collaboration, Minnikhanov spotlighted Tatarstan's strong infrastructure and commitment to fostering innovation, particularly through support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He pointed to the region's network of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), technoparks, industrial parks, and IT hubs as crucial engines of growth.'Despite global uncertainties, Tatarstan has shown exceptional resilience,' he stated. 'Fixed capital investment has grown by over 12%, and we've been recognized as the most attractive region for investors in the Russian Federation.'The Rais also reaffirmed the role of the oil industry in Tatarstan's economy, while highlighting emerging sectors such as the halal industry and digital transformation in public services. These advancements, he noted, are helping the region align with global investment and sustainability his closing remarks, Minnikhanov noted the importance of international collaboration, particularly with the Islamic world. 'Our partnerships with Muslim countries are strong and growing. With Kazan set to become the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2026, we look forward to deepening these ties through innovation and shared prosperity.'Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, delivered a compelling message on the importance of inclusive growth, financial empowerment, and youth development across emerging a packed audience, Sheikh Ebrahim emphasised the urgency of addressing key socioeconomic gaps, particularly in nations with large and growing youth populations. 'In countries like ours, the challenge lies in transforming population growth into economic opportunity,' he said. 'Bahrain's success story centers on investments in education, healthcare, and workforce development—key pillars for empowering people and improving livelihoods.'He drew attention to the significant barriers faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly regarding access to finance. Stressing the need for financial inclusion, he pointed out that marginalized groups—especially women and children—must be brought into the fold to ensure equitable and sustained ahead, Sheikh Ebrahim highlighted the growth potential of regions such as Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa, adding that by 2025, these regions will comprise a third of the global consumer market. 'The opportunity is immense, and we must act now to invest in these communities and help them thrive,' he decades of experience in collaboration with organizations such as UNIDO, he spotlighted the Bahrain Model for entrepreneurship and innovation, currently implemented in 57 countries. He noted the availability of financial resources—including over $1.6 trillion in the Waqf sector—as proof that poverty stems not from scarcity, but from misallocation.'We have the models, the tools, and the capital,' Sheikh Ebrahim concluded. 'What we need now is commitment, cooperation, and a shared vision to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all.'Günther Oettinger, former Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg and former Vice President of the European Commission, delivered a thought-provoking address on the future of globalization, trade, and investment amid rising geopolitical voiced Germany and Europe's growing concern over escalating global tensions, including the increasing imposition of punitive tariffs and trade restrictions. 'We are facing the risk of a global trade war,' he warned. 'And that is a scenario where everyone loses. What the world needs now is de-escalation and a return to stable, rules-based globalization.'Madame Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and Executive Chairwoman of the Board of Directors at VinFast Auto Ltd, delivered a compelling address on Vietnam's strategic response to global trade tensions and the nation's long-term investment highlighted how Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian region are navigating an increasingly complex global investment landscape. With geopolitical disruptions and supply chain volatility continuing to reshape economic dynamics, she noted that Southeast Asia has emerged as a resilient and strategically vital Geldimyradov, Vice Prime Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, delivered insightful remarks focussing on Europe's current dynamics—particularly Germany's changing assumptions regarding energy security, defense alliances, and trade dependencies. With recent adjustments to Germany's constitutional fiscal rules and the emphasis on rapid digital and defense transformation, the dialogue noted the realignment of global priorities and partnerships. The session concluded with a call for inclusive dialogue and forward-looking frameworks that support mutual growth and resilience in an increasingly interconnected world.
Dubai Eye
02-04-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE's CEPA with Costa Rica, Mauritius come into force
Trade agreements with Costa Rica and Mauritius under the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) will come into effect on Wednesday. The agreements will reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods, simplify customs procedures, and establish pathways for investment into high-priority sectors both in the UAE and across the Central American and African markets. CEPAs, since its rollout in 2021, lays the foundation for increased trade and investment with the strategically located and rapidly emerging economies. It is part of efforts by the UAE to increase its foreign trade to AED4 trillion (US$1.1 trillion). The UAE currently has 12 deals signed and awaiting ratification with markets around the world, consolidating its status as a trade facilitator and global gateway for goods and services, national news agency Wam reported on Wednesday. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, noted that it "reflects a significant step forward in our nation's foreign trade programme and its aim to establish stronger, more integrated trading relationships with the most dynamic markets around the world". Al Zeyoudi highlighted the CEPA's contribution to record non-oil trade in 2024, which reached an all-time high of $817 billion, marking a 14.6 per cent increase over 2023. The CEPA programme currently has 27 concluded deals, expanding access for UAE businesses to over a quarter of the world's population. The deals The UAE-Costa Rica CEPA, which was signed April 2024, builds on non-oil trade of more than $82.6 million in 2024, following substantial growth of 27.5 per cent compared 2023. Under the CEPA, 99.8 per cent of UAE exports to Costa Rica will benefit from zero or reduced customs duties. The partnership will also help to facilitate strategic capital exchange, adding to the UAE's approximate $673 million already invested in Central America. Opening access to one of Africa's most promising economies, the UAE-Mauritius CEPA is projected to boost the value of non-oil bilateral trade from its current $209.8 million to $500 million within five years, including a fourfold increase in UAE exports to Mauritius. Over 97 per cent of UAE exports to Mauritius will benefit from immediate tariff elimination or gradual tariff reduction over a maximum of 5 years under the CEPA.
Khaleej Times
02-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Costa Rica and Mauritius come into force
Two of the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (Cepas) came into force on Wednesday, laying the foundation for increased trade and investment with the strategically located and rapidly emerging economies of Costa Rica and Mauritius. The Cepas will reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods, simplify customs procedures, and establish pathways for investment into high-priority sectors both in the UAE and across the Central American and African markets. The two deals mark the seventh and eighth of the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements to come into force, following the successful roll-out of Cepas with India, Israel, Türkiye, Indonesia, Cambodia and Georgia since the launch of the programme in 2021. As the nation seeks to increase its foreign trade to Dh4 trillion ($1.1 trillion), it currently has 12 further deals signed and awaiting ratification with markets around the world, consolidating its status as a trade facilitator and global gateway for goods and services. The UAE-Costa Rica Cepa, which was signed April 2024, builds on non-oil trade of more than $82.6 million in 2024, following substantial growth of 27.5 per cent compared 2023. Under the Cepa, 99.8 per cent of UAE exports to Costa Rica will benefit from zero or reduced customs duties. The partnership will also help to facilitate strategic capital exchange, adding to the UAE's approximate $673 million already invested in Central America. Opening access to one of Africa's most promising economies, the UAE-Mauritius Cepa is projected to boost the value of non-oil bilateral trade from its current $209.8 million to $500 million within five years, including a fourfold increase in UAE exports to Mauritius. Over 97 per cent of UAE exports to Mauritius will benefit from immediate tariff elimination or gradual tariff reduction over a maximum of 5 years under the Cepa. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: 'The implementation of our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Costa Rica and Mauritius reflects a significant step forward in our nation's foreign trade program and its aim to establish stronger, more integrated trading relationships with the most dynamic markets around the world. These Cepas, enhancing connectivity to centres of growth in Central America and Africa, are a catalyst for deeper economic collaboration, unlocking a range of opportunities for our private sector and driving forward our shared goals, from enhancing food security to accelerating clean energy adoption.' Al Zeyoudi highlighted the programme's contribution to record non-oil trade in 2024, which reached an all-time high of $817 billion, marking a 14.6 per cent increase over 2023. The Cepa programme currently has 27 concluded deals, expanding access for UAE businesses to over a quarter of the world's population.
02-04-2025
- Business
UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Costa Rica and Mauritius come into force
Two of the United Arab Emirates' Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) have come into force today, laying the foundation for increased trade and investment with the strategically located and rapidly emerging economies of Costa Rica and Mauritius. Now in force, the UAE-Costa Rica and UAE-Mauritius CEPAs will reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods, simplify customs procedures, and establish pathways for investment into high-priority sectors both in the UAE and across the Central American and African markets. The two deals mark the seventh and eighth of the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements to come into force, following the successful roll-out of CEPAs with India, Israel, Türkiye, Indonesia, Cambodia and Georgia since the launch of the program in 2021. As the nation seeks to increase its foreign trade to AED4 trillion (US$1.1 trillion), it currently has twelve further deals signed and awaiting ratification with markets around the world, consolidating its status as a trade facilitator and global gateway for goods and services. The UAE-Costa Rica CEPA, which was signed April 2024, builds on non-oil trade of more than US$82.6 million in 2024, following substantial growth of 27.5% compared 2023. Under the CEPA, 99.8% of UAE exports to Costa Rica will benefit from zero or reduced customs duties. The partnership will also help to facilitate strategic capital exchange, adding to the UAE's approximate US$673 million already invested in Central America. Opening access to one of Africa's most promising economies, the UAE-Mauritius CEPA is projected to boost the value of non-oil bilateral trade from its current US$209.8 million to US$500 million within five years, including a fourfold increase in UAE exports to Mauritius. Over 97% of UAE exports to Mauritius will benefit from immediate tariff elimination or gradual tariff reduction over a maximum of 5 years under the CEPA. His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: 'The implementation of our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Costa Rica and Mauritius reflects a significant step forward in our nation's foreign trade program and its aim to establish stronger, more integrated trading relationships with the most dynamic markets around the world. These CEPAs, enhancing connectivity to centres of growth in Central America and Africa, are a catalyst for deeper economic collaboration, unlocking a range of opportunities for our private sector and driving forward our shared goals, from enhancing food security to accelerating clean energy adoption.' HE Al Zeyoudi highlighted the program's contribution to record non-oil trade in 2024, which reached an all-time high of US$817 billion, marking a 14.6% increase over 2023. The CEPA program currently has 27 concluded deals, expanding access for UAE businesses to over a quarter of the world's population. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
