UAE Envoy Praises Modi, Sheikh Zayed for Strengthening Ties

UAE-India CEPA Council Strengthens Bilateral Trade and Entrepreneurship Ties

The UAE-India CEPA Council is one of the major efforts that have contributed to the expanding economic links between India and the UAE, according to Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE ambassador to India. In an interview with ANI, he emphasized the council’s work to foster trade and entrepreneurship between the two countries by hosting roundtable discussions and business events throughout India.

The UAE-India CEPA Council (UIJCC) is a joint initiative between the governments of the two countries, established during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit on January 10, 2024. The council’s official website states that it aims to assist companies in the UAE and India in maximizing the benefits of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which entered into force on May 1, 2022. The agreement has made it possible for deeper economic interaction, which has improved industry collaboration and created new trade prospects.

An essential component of this expanding collaboration, according to Ambassador Alshali, is interacting with entrepreneurs, particularly women entrepreneurs. He noted that India has an equally amazing business scene and that some 23,000 women entrepreneurs in the UAE manage assets valued at USD 30 billion.
Recognizing the remarkable achievements of Indian women in business, he praised their innovative ideas and successful ventures. He emphasized that improving trade connections and fortifying the two countries’ bilateral economic relationship depend heavily on recognizing and appreciating their efforts.

Alshaali was upbeat about the current status of India-UAE relations, saying that the collaboration is thriving and that the UAE CEPA Council is playing a key role. He emphasized the significance of concentrating on entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), as they have the capacity to propel economic expansion and make a substantial contribution to the trade alliance.

Regarding the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in fostering closer ties, the Ambassador highlighted PM Modi’s deep appreciation for the UAE and its leadership. He pointed out that this respect has sped up cooperation between the two nations, resulting in regular high-level meetings, strategic encounters, and reciprocal trips that strengthen the bond even more.

In light of the larger historical background, Alshaali characterized the India-UAE connection as both old and historic, with roots in centuries of trade and cultural interactions. He reaffirmed the ongoing link between the two countries by acknowledging the long-standing, generation-old people-to-people ties. He conveyed his appreciation for the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose dedication and vision continue to drive the relationship to new heights.

The ambassador reaffirmed that India and the United Arab Emirates are moving toward closer collaboration, with shared goals of boosting trade, helping business owners, and building economic resilience. The collaboration between the UAE and India is evidence of their common goal of a prosperous and exciting future.