Post by : Rameen Ariff

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi–India Business Forum, co-organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), showcased the scale and momentum of the bilateral trade partnership and explored ways to deepen economic cooperation.

The forum was attended by Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of ADDED, along with senior government officials and business leaders from both countries. The event built on the achievements of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further enhance trade, investment, and industrial collaboration.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi said, “We are pleased to welcome Minister Piyush Goyal and his delegation to open a new chapter in our deeply rooted partnership. Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy offers significant opportunities in high-growth sectors such as food, Agritech, financial services, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, smart transport, sustainable energy, and healthcare.”

He added, “India is one of Abu Dhabi’s largest trading partners. Since CEPA in 2022, non-oil trade has grown significantly – rising 13.7% in 2023 and soaring 94% in 2024. There is immense potential to expand trade, boost mutual investments, and co-create future-ready industries.”

The forum provided a platform to match business opportunities with capabilities. India’s growing sectors like electronics, automotive, EVs, batteries, and pharmaceuticals align with Abu Dhabi’s industrial strategy. Similarly, India’s technology, business services, and Global Capability Centres complement the emirate’s strengths. Emerging trade corridors are reducing logistical barriers and enabling faster market access for companies on both sides.

Presentations by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Invest India, and leading companies highlighted investment opportunities, focusing on converting interest into projects and integrating SMEs into supply chains. Participants agreed to a structured follow-up to turn commercial discussions into actionable deals and job creation.

Backed by CEPA, bilateral trade between the UAE and India is fast approaching the US$100 billion target by 2030. In 2024, UAE’s non-oil trade with India grew by 20.5% to over AED240 billion (US$65.4 billion) from AED199.3 billion (US$54.3 billion) in 2023. In the first half of 2025, non-oil trade rose 33.9% to AED138 billion (US$37.6 billion). UAE investments in India reached AED84.4 billion (US$23 billion) in 2024, making the UAE India’s seventh-largest global investor.

The forum highlighted the strong economic corridor between Abu Dhabi and India, where global infrastructure, pro-investment policies, and India’s market scale and technology ecosystem combine to create new avenues for innovation, trade, and investment.

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