Abu Dhabi-India Business Forum Strengthens Trade And Investment Relations For Future Growth

The Abu Dhabi–India business forum, organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) alongside the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), highlighted the growing partnership between the two regions. The event focused on enhancing trade and investment ties, building on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement’s (CEPA) successes.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, along with a high-level delegation. He stated, "We are pleased to welcome Piyush Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India, and the high-level delegation to open a new page in our deeply rooted partnership. Abu Dhabi is a trusted, future-ready partner for India’s growth story, with our ‘Falcon Economy’ creating ample opportunities in high-growth clusters including food, Agrictech, financial services, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, smart transport, sustainable energy, and healthcare."

Al Zaabi further noted that India is among Abu Dhabi's largest trading partners. Since CEPA was signed in 2022, non-oil trade between Abu Dhabi and India has seen significant growth. In 2023 alone, it increased by 13.7%, with an impressive surge of 94% anticipated in 2024. He emphasised the potential to deepen trade relations further and expand mutual investments.

The forum provided an ideal setting for aligning opportunities with capabilities. India's ambitions in electronics, automotive sectors including EVs and batteries, as well as pharmaceuticals align well with Abu Dhabi's industrial strategy. Additionally, India's substantial tech industry complements Abu Dhabi's strengths.

Investment Opportunities

Presentations from entities like the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Invest India were featured during the programme. These discussions aimed at transforming opportunities into tangible projects while integrating SMEs into supply chains. Participants committed to maintaining structured follow-ups post-forum to convert commercial interests into actual deals.

Bilateral trade between the UAE and India is rapidly nearing a US$100 billion target set for 2030 due to CEPA support. In 2024 alone, UAE’s non-oil trade with India grew by 20.5%, surpassing AED240 billion (US$65.4 billion), compared to AED199.3 billion (US$54.3 billion) in 2023.

Infrastructure and Market Synergy

UAE investments in India reached over AED84.4 billion (US$23 billion) in 2024, positioning UAE as India's seventh-largest global investor. With its globally connected infrastructure and pro-investment ecosystem combined with India's market scale and technological reach, Abu Dhabi offers a promising corridor for innovation and investment.

Emerging trade corridors are reducing barriers and accelerating market entry for businesses on both sides. This collaboration promises shared prosperity through co-creation of future industries while continuing strong growth trends witnessed in H1-2025 where non-oil trade rose by 33.9% to AED138 billion (US$37.6 billion).

With inputs from WAM