Al Zeyoudi Engages With Global Leaders To Enhance UAE Trade Relations And Innovation Efforts

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, engaged in significant discussions at the World Governments Summit. He emphasised the UAE's dedication to trade and innovation as essential for sustainable growth. The meetings focused on enhancing cooperation, boosting goods and services flow, and investing in key sectors like energy, logistics, food security, and advanced technology.

During talks with Liza Araneta-Marcos from the Philippines and Sonexay Siphandone of Laos, Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted ASEAN's growing importance to the UAE. He expressed a desire to strengthen ties with this region known for its manufacturing and food production capabilities. Discussions with Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica from Fiji centred on logistics, fishing, and climate policies.

Improving connections with Latin America was a key topic in meetings with Gabriela García of Guatemala and Félix Ulloa of El Salvador. Discussions with Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer focused on trade and investment opportunities in this industrial state. Talks were also held with Erkki Keldo from Estonia and Ismaël M’Fala Nabé from Guinea.

The summit allowed Dr. Al Zeyoudi to review the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA). He met Bùi Thanh Sơn from Vietnam, a CEPA partner since October 2024, and Luis Carlos Reyes Hernández from Colombia, involved since April 2024. These agreements aim to enhance economic collaboration across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

The summit also highlighted the transformative potential of technologies like AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and sustainability-driven innovations. In discussions with Roberto Viola of the European Commission’s CONNECT project, Dr. Al Zeyoudi shared the UAE’s initiatives to leverage advanced technology for industrial efficiency while establishing supportive regulatory frameworks.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi underscored the UAE's role as an innovation leader alongside industry pioneers such as Shilpan Amin of GM International, Akash Palkhiwala of Qualcomm, Arvind Krishna of IBM, and Jean-Pascal Tricoire of Schneider Electric. He invited these leaders to expand their presence within the UAE’s vibrant business environment.

Strengthening Global Economic Ties

Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated that these meetings reinforce the UAE’s position as a vital partner in global economic development. "The UAE has a long-standing belief that foreign trade and investment are the key to sustainable economic development," he noted. Nations worldwide are eager to simplify trade processes through efficient networks.

The CEPA programme is creating growth pathways between Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Many countries are keen on enhancing collaboration with the UAE through this initiative. Dr. Al Zeyoudi looks forward to continuing these dialogues to ensure prosperity for all involved parties.

With inputs from WAM