Partnerships to Propel UAE and India’s Growth: CEPA Council Director

Partnership Driving India-UAE Growth in Fintech, Aviation, Clean Energy: CEPA Council Director

In the domain of international commerce, strategic partnerships often serve as the cornerstone for economic advancement and prosperity. Such alliances, particularly in burgeoning sectors like aviation, fintech, edtech, health-tech, and clean energy tech, hold immense promise for driving the growth narratives of nations. This sentiment was underscored by Ahmed Aljneibi, the Director of the CEPA Council, during a recent discourse on the trajectory of UAE-India relations.

The formation of the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) represents a watershed moment in the bilateral economic landscape. Launched amidst the vibrancy of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January, the UICC embodies a commitment to fostering deeper ties and harnessing synergies between the two nations. This initiative gained further momentum with the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2022, signaling a new era of collaboration and mutual benefit.

Aljneibi’s remarks shed light on the transformative potential inherent in strengthening air transportation and air cargo links between the UAE and India. Recognizing the pivotal role of connectivity in facilitating trade and investment flows, he emphasized the need for concerted efforts to optimize these vital channels.

Moreover, the UICC’s mandate extends beyond conventional economic paradigms, embracing a holistic approach that prioritizes inclusivity and innovation. By empowering startups, women entrepreneurs, and MSMEs across diverse sectors such as agri-tech, green energy, medical and life sciences, and education, the council seeks to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem conducive to sustainable growth and prosperity.

Looking ahead, the UICC has charted an ambitious roadmap, featuring a series of engagements and initiatives designed to deepen bilateral engagement and unlock new avenues of collaboration. A notable highlight is the upcoming business round-table in Jaipur, slated to be held in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industries on April 24. This platform promises to galvanize stakeholders from both countries, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange on the benefits of the CEPA and the broader strategic partnership between the UAE and India.

Aljneibi’s insights underscore the UAE’s pivotal role as a global logistics hub, serving as a gateway to key markets in Africa and the Middle East. By leveraging the provisions of the CEPA, Indian companies stand to gain enhanced access to the UAE market, thereby amplifying their reach and competitiveness on the global stage.

Furthermore, the UAE’s status as Africa’s fourth-largest global investor presents a wealth of opportunities for Indian enterprises seeking to expand their footprint in this burgeoning region. Aljneibi posits the UAE as the preferred destination for Indian companies looking to forge synergies with African counterparts across a spectrum of industries.

As the economic landscape continues to evolve, the development of Bharat Mart in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone emerges as a transformative initiative with far-reaching implications. This pioneering project holds the promise of bolstering export ties between Indian companies and markets in Africa and the Middle East, thereby fostering inclusive growth and economic resilience.

Aljneibi’s vision underscores the transformative potential of partnerships in driving the growth story of both the UAE and India. By embracing collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, the two nations are poised to chart a course towards shared prosperity and sustainable development in the years to come.