Thani Al Zeyoudi Attends Inauguration Of International Exhibition Centre In Minsk To Strengthen UAE-Belarus Trade Relations

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, visited Minsk to attend the opening of the International Exhibition Centre. He was joined by Ibrahim Salem Al Musharrakh, UAE Ambassador to Belarus. The centre was inaugurated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Dr. Al Zeyoudi conveyed greetings from the UAE leadership to President Lukashenko, wishing prosperity and progress for Belarus.

The visit underscores the strengthening economic ties between the UAE and Belarus, which have seen remarkable growth recently. During discussions with Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov, Dr. Al Zeyoudi focused on non-oil trade and investment flows. The UAE's economic partnership agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has opened new collaboration avenues.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Belarus surged by 483% from 2023 to 2024, reaching US$3.9 billion. This growth is linked to the EAEU agreement, fostering collaboration among member countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted this significant increase during talks with Prime Minister Turchin.

The newly opened International Exhibition Centre is a major part of Belarus's "Northern Shore" development project. Covering 37,000 square metres, it includes a flexible open-air exhibition area over 14,000 square metres in size. Its design supports various business and entertainment events such as international exhibitions and national congresses.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi reiterated the UAE's dedication to enhancing economic relations with Belarus during his visit. He expressed optimism about boosting non-oil trade flows and investment opportunities in both nations. "The UAE is keen to explore new avenues for collaboration that will benefit both our economies," he stated.

The discussions also emphasised the value of face-to-face meetings in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. This sets a foundation for future collaborations across sectors like technology, infrastructure, and trade.

Future Prospects

This visit aligns with the UAE's goal of expanding global trade partnerships through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme. By strengthening bilateral relations with high-growth economies worldwide, the UAE aims to enhance collaboration in various regions.

The International Exhibition Centre's innovative design makes it an ideal venue for diverse events, supporting Belarus's cultural and economic potential enhancement efforts. As these developments unfold, they promise increased cooperation between the UAE and Belarus in coming years.

With inputs from WAM