UAE Highlights Importance Of Open Rules-Based Trade For Global Development At G20 Meeting

During the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Gqeberha, South Africa, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasised the importance of open, rules-based trade for sustainable global development. He highlighted the UAE's commitment to collaborative solutions for modernising supply chains and ensuring equitable access to global trade systems.

The G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting serves as a key platform for member countries to discuss trade and investment issues. These discussions will guide the agenda at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November. The UAE participated as a special guest invited by South Africa, focusing on industrialisation's role in sustainable development, inclusive growth principles, and World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform.

A UNCTAD-OECD report commissioned by South Africa during its G20 Presidency praised the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) program. This initiative is seen as a model for enhancing trade and investment in sectors like clean energy, digital transformation, and public health. The report specifically noted CEPAs with India, Australia, Türkiye, and New Zealand as examples of successful international collaboration.

Since 2021, the UAE has finalised 31 trade agreements through its CEPA program. These agreements span various regions and developmental stages. Al Zeyoudi mentioned ongoing CEPA discussions with at least 10 African nations, some of which have concluded. This highlights how UAE’s trade policy supports regional value chains.

Al Zeyoudi stressed aligning outcomes across international organisations to create a balanced global trading system. He advocated addressing developmental issues within trade policies to ensure all nations benefit from global trade while promoting sustainable economic growth and resilience.

The UAE has committed over US$16.8 billion to renewable energy investments in 70 countries. This underscores its dedication to supporting sustainable industrialisation and energy access worldwide.

G20's Role in Global Economy

The G20 members represent 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population. They play a crucial role in shaping the global economy. In early 2025, the UAE's non-oil trade with G20 members exceeded US$231 billion—a 19.2% increase from 2024—highlighting its growing influence as a global trade hub.

By late 2024, the UAE's non-oil foreign trade surpassed US$816.9 billion—a 14.6% rise from 2023—nearly five times the global average growth rate.

Bilateral Meetings on Global Trade

On the meeting sidelines, Al Zeyoudi engaged in high-level bilateral talks with WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala about current global trade conditions. He also met officials from South Korea, Japan, the EU, Canada, Indonesia, and Switzerland to strengthen international partnerships in trade and investment.

"The G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting is a vital forum for identifying the issues impacting global trade and the necessary solutions that can tackle them," stated Al Zeyoudi. "It is important for the United Arab Emirates to continue championing policies that ensure supply chains are open and accessible to every nation and maintain trade’s role as driver of long-term development and growth."

With inputs from WAM