SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
On 29 August 2025, Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal met with UAE Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi to advance the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The two sides reaffirmed a shared ambition to grow non-oil, non-precious metals trade to USD 100 billion by 2030. Discussions spanned emerging sectors including renewable energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and supply chain resilience. Enhancing efficiency, they decided to convene the Services Sub-Committee within two months to improve trade data sharing and regulatory cooperation. The UAE’s initiative, the Emirates Drug Establishment, was welcomed for addressing Indian pharmaceutical exporters’ concerns. India also highlighted enabling mechanisms such as the Local Currency Settlement System (INR–AED) and the Bharat Mart platform in the UAE.
Subsequently, stakeholder interactions in Dubai facilitated launches such as APEDA's “Bharati Scheme,” supporting over 100 food-tech and agritech startups and confirming India as Partner Country for Gulf Food 2026 with a 1,200 sqm exhibition pavilion. These engagements signaled deepening strategic synergies and resilience in India–UAE trade.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: What methods can India optimally align with CEPA mechanisms with startup-led agritech initiatives under schemes like Bharati to deepen exports and foster resilient value chains?
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https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2162829