Abu Dhabi Chamber Welcomes Balkan Delegation To Strengthen Economic Partnerships And Trade Cooperation

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) recently hosted a delegation from the Balkan region at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi. This meeting aimed to explore economic and trade cooperation opportunities, focusing on expanding investment partnerships for sustainable growth. Discussions centred on enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties, with both parties agreeing on the need to open new markets and launch future projects.

The meeting was attended by Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director-General of ADCCI, alongside representatives from key national entities and the private sector. The Balkan delegation included presidents of chambers of commerce from Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, North-West Macedonia, American Balkan, and Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF). These discussions underscored the importance of joint efforts in consolidating partnerships that support shared interests.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and the Balkans has grown significantly over the past five years. The compound annual growth rate reached 8.7%, with trade valued at nearly US$1.9 billion in 2024. Imports from Romania, Slovenia, and Bulgaria amounted to US$1.3 billion, highlighting their role in supplying essential commodities like wheat and timber to the UAE market.

The UAE's non-oil exports have also seen remarkable growth with a compound annual growth rate of 20.5%. Key destinations for these exports include Albania, Romania, and Croatia, particularly for aluminium and steel products. Re-exports have expanded at a CAGR of 9%, driven by dynamic trade in vehicles and advanced technology.

This robust performance highlights the resilience of economic partnerships between the UAE and Balkan countries. It sets the stage for deeper collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, technology, and logistics. Such progress further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a strategic gateway for global trade and investment.

Strategic Partnerships

Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi stated: "This meeting embodies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building strategic partnerships around the world. Abu Dhabi has become a global hub for trade and investment." He emphasised that cooperation with Balkan countries aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision to diversify its economy.

He highlighted Abu Dhabi’s competitive business environment built on sustainability and innovation. These factors make it an attractive destination for quality investments in renewable energy, advanced industries, technology, and knowledge economy sectors.

Promising Markets

Balkan markets offer promising opportunities for expanding UAE exports into new European consumer markets. Al Marzooqi noted that ADCCI plays a crucial role in promoting competitiveness by opening new markets and attracting foreign direct investment.

The Chamber's roadmap for 2025-2028 aims to empower entrepreneurs and SMEs while enhancing their contribution to the national economy in line with government strategies.

Future Prospects

Valentina Marku, President of Albanian Business Council Abu Dhabi, described this visit as marking a new stage in cooperation with ADCCI. She affirmed that Balkan countries view Abu Dhabi as a strategic partner due to its strong reputation in the region.

Marku expressed optimism about advancing cooperation in sectors like agriculture, clean energy, technology, and healthcare. She emphasised that the UAE’s diversified economy serves as an inspiring model for growth throughout Balkan markets.

Exploring New Areas

The forum featured presentations by national institutions such as Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Emirates Development Bank (EDB). These partners showcased Abu Dhabi’s business environment along with investment opportunities available for international companies.

Discussions covered emerging areas like advanced industries including automotive components; AI-driven innovations; renewable energy focusing on solar potential; digital technologies; blockchain; biotechnology; medical sciences; food security; water security; organic agriculture among others.

Both sides agreed that this meeting marked significant progress towards establishing long-term partnerships benefiting both parties while creating new collaboration opportunities. The Balkan delegation praised Abu Dhabi’s advanced investment climate while ADCCI leaders described their relationship as exemplary economic integration through effective diplomacy.

With inputs from WAM