Investopia's Inaugural Business And Investors Conference Promotes Sustainable Cooperation Among Arab Countries And Central Asia

The fourth edition of Investopia, held in Abu Dhabi on February 26, marked the first Business and Investors Conference for Arab Countries, Central Asia, and Azerbaijan. Themed ‘Towards Sustainable Cooperation and Partnership,’ it attracted ministers, officials, and business leaders from these regions. This event underscored the UAE’s commitment to fostering economic collaboration across Arab and Asian nations.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of Investopia, highlighted the UAE's dedication to enhancing economic ties with Arab and Asian countries. He noted that the conference serves as a platform for sustainable partnerships, boosting connectivity among business communities in these regions. The focus is on maximizing economic growth opportunities in new economy sectors.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi emphasized the UAE's growing influence in global trade by hosting this international event. He stated that it aligns with the strategic objectives of We the UAE 2031, reinforcing collaboration with Arab and Asian partners. This move solidifies the UAE's position as a global trade partner and an attractive economic hub.

Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei remarked that the conference is pivotal in strengthening ties between Arab and Asian nations in entrepreneurship and SMEs. It also highlights the UAE’s competitive ecosystem for startups. The event provides a crucial opportunity to showcase this environment to potential investors.

The conference featured two discussion sessions. The first session focused on ‘Regional Corridors and Creating Business Opportunities.’ It addressed how regional corridors promote global trade by facilitating investment flows across borders. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stressed their role in boosting economic interactions between emerging and developed markets.

The second session titled ‘The New Economy in the Region’ explored developments in sectors like artificial intelligence, waste management, and food security. It discussed how these sectors enhance economic growth and sustainability while encouraging investment expansion. Adopting policies for circular economic models was also emphasized.

Investment Opportunities Highlighted

In his keynote address, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted dynamic economies' rapid growth potential in the region. He mentioned that non-oil trade between Arab nations and Asia exceeded $10 billion in 2023, with further growth anticipated. The UAE serves as a vital gateway for investment with Central Asia and Azerbaijan.

The conference concluded with a roundtable meeting attended by ministers from both regions. They discussed strengthening economic cooperation through an interactive platform for private sector engagement. This aims to achieve integration between major regional economic activities.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The discussions underscored enhancing joint economic relations across vital fields like trade, energy, technology, AI, food security, climate change challenges, etc. Both sides expressed a desire to cooperate towards sustainable development goals through industrial development, energy cooperation, digital transformation, etc.

The conference ended with an agreement to expand mutual economic relations by stimulating investments from both sides to diversify ties further. Plans were made to hold another session in Central Asia or Azerbaijan by 2027.

This event at Investopia 2025 aligns with outcomes from the third session of the Arab Economic Forum held in Qatar in April 2024. It reflects ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between Arab countries, Central Asia, and Azerbaijan across financial fields of shared priority.

With inputs from WAM