UAE Seeks to Enhance Trade Relations with India Through CEPA Expansion

In an effort to boost its commercial activities, the UAE is actively looking to expand its scope of trade with India under the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement). The Middle-Eastern country aims to strengthen bilateral trade, which comes as a positive development for firms expanding globally. The Chief Operating Officer of the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC), Feryal Ahmadi, expressed their ambition, highlighting the pivotal role of India as the largest trading partner of the UAE.

The UAE has made significant efforts to explore new commercial avenues under the CEPA, which was signed in February 2022. Particularly, the country is keen to establish trade ties with India, with merchandise like agri-commodities and critical minerals. Ahmadi demonstrated the strategic importance of expanding these sectors under the agreement, which is likely to foster deeper economic ties between the two nations. She also pointed out the increasing significance of the other Free Trade Agreements and trade corridors, which include the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.