UAE Reaffirms Commitment To Open And Rules-Based International Trade At FIT Partnership Meeting

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its dedication to leading global efforts in promoting open, rules-based international trade. This approach is seen as a key driver for sustainable economic growth and inclusive development worldwide. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted this commitment during the inaugural ministerial meeting of the Future Trade and Investment Partnership (FTIP).

The FTIP's first Ministerial Meeting took place in Singapore, gathering ministers and representatives from member countries and five observer nations. The World Trade Organisation's Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, participated virtually. Launched on 16th September 2025, the FTIP aims to foster open and fair trade while addressing modern trade challenges through practical initiatives.

During the meeting, a Ministerial Declaration on Supply Chain Resilience was issued by 13 members, including the UAE. This initiative seeks to enhance cooperation in identifying and mitigating significant supply chain risks and disruptions. By doing so, it aims to enable quicker and more effective responses to such challenges.

The FTIP also introduced a workstream dedicated to advancing digital and paperless trade. This effort will promote international standards and legislation that facilitate the use and exchange of digital trade documentation. Such measures are expected to streamline processes and improve efficiency in global trade.

Paraguay and Malaysia joined existing members like Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, the UAE, and Uruguay in the FIT Partnership. With these additions, membership now includes 16 countries committed to strengthening the rules-based trading system.

The meeting also welcomed representatives from non-member countries such as Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Thailand, and Peru. These nations participated to gain insights into the FIT Partnership's initiatives and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

Technological Advancements in Trade

A new workstream was launched focusing on leveraging technology to tackle current trade challenges. This initiative offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specialising in trade technology a platform to test and refine their innovative solutions for scaling up.

Another workstream aims at reinforcing the rules-based trading system by developing solutions for contemporary trade issues while exploring reform pathways. These efforts underscore the FIT Partnership's commitment to addressing emerging challenges in global trade.

Bilateral Discussions

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Zeyoudi engaged in bilateral discussions with several key figures. These included Todd McClay from New Zealand; Lee Chuan Teck of Enterprise Singapore; Fernanda Lima and Pranav Kumar from Leapfrog; Manuel Tovar Rivera of Costa Rica; Prudence Sebahizi from Rwanda; Helene Budliger of Switzerland; and Janaina Tewany from Panama.

The FIT Partnership remains focused on achieving tangible impacts while amplifying the collective voice of small and medium-sized countries reliant on trade. It continues to invite additional nations willing to uphold its principles as it expands its reach globally.

With inputs from WAM