The economic corridor between the UAE and India is widening at remarkable speed, fueled by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022.
Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the pact has become a powerful engine for both nations, accelerating investment flows and deepening commercial ties. In the first half of 2025 alone, non-oil trade jumped to $37.6 billion — a 33.9% leap compared to the previous year.
“The CEPA isn’t just paperwork,” Al Zeyoudi explained. “It’s a living framework that reflects the shared commitment of our nations’ leadership and the constant momentum of high-level engagement.”
That momentum was on display at the latest UAE–India High Level Joint Task Force meeting in Abu Dhabi, chaired by Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The gathering zeroed in on strategies to expand CEPA’s scope, ensuring businesses on both sides can capitalize on new opportunities.
For Al Zeyoudi, the agreement goes beyond trade balances. He described it as a platform for joint development, job creation, and long-term growth. With the trajectory already pointing upward, both governments remain confident in hitting their ambitious target: $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030.
“Prospects ahead are promising,” he added, “and this partnership will continue to shape one of the strongest economic bridges in the region.”
