UAE-Netherlands Joint Economic Committee Meeting Focuses On Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation And Trade

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, hosted Aukje de Vries, the Netherlands' Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, in Abu Dhabi. They gathered for the third UAE-Netherlands Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting. The event aimed to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Ameirah Obaid AlHefeiti, UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands. Business leaders and private sector representatives from both countries were also present. The focus was on enhancing bilateral relations through innovation and sustainable development.

Al Zeyoudi highlighted the significance of the UAE-Netherlands partnership. He stated, "The discussions at this third Joint Economic Committee reaffirmed our shared focus on innovation, a commitment to sustainable development, and the potential for our bilateral trade and investment ties to expand significantly across a wide range of future focused sectors." He emphasised collaboration in renewable energy, technology, and sustainable agriculture as key areas for mutual growth.

The Netherlands is a crucial partner for the UAE in Europe. In 2025's first nine months, non-oil trade between them surpassed US$4.1 billion, marking a 6.5% annual increase. The UAE is a major destination in MENA for Dutch agricultural products and equipment.

Aukje de Vries remarked on the importance of their partnership: "The UAE is an important partner for the Netherlands. Our countries maintain broad bilateral relations, including political dialogue and fighting transnational organised crime." She noted that their trade exceeded EUR13 billion in 2024.

The JEC aims to boost opportunities for 500 Dutch companies operating in the UAE. De Vries highlighted how the UAE's shift towards an innovation-driven economy aligns with Dutch expertise in food security, water management, and high-tech solutions.

Expanding Private Sector Collaboration

Both ministers stressed creating an environment conducive to private-sector collaboration. They discussed enhancing cooperation in energy, renewable energy, advanced technology, agri-tech, and tourism sectors. Innovation was seen as vital to achieving shared economic goals.

Al Zeyoudi mentioned that mutual investments currently stand at US$20 billion. There is significant emphasis on green technologies as private sector partnerships grow between both nations.

Future Commitments

The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold a future JEC in the Netherlands. This decision underscores their dedication to ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the two countries.

With inputs from WAM