News DeskDubai, UAE – The UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) marked its 2nd anniversary and the 3rd anniversary of the historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE with a grand celebration at the residence of Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and Northern Emirates. The event brought together influential leaders from both nations to reflect on the transformative impact of CEPA and explore future opportunities for collaboration.
The evening was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Al Zeyoudi, a key architect of the CEPA, emphasized the agreement’s role in strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. Special guests included Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE; Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of KEF Holdings and UIBC-UAE Chapter Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director of DP World (Middle East, North Africa, and India Subcontinent) and Co-Chair of UIBC-UAE Chapter; and Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman of Sharaf Group and UIBC-UAE Chapter.
Since its implementation, the CEPA has driven non-oil trade between the UAE and India to an impressive AED 240 billion, underscoring the agreement’s success and the robust economic partnership between the two nations. Sunjay Sudhir delivered a special address, while Satish Kumar Sivan highlighted the progress in India-UAE relations and praised the UIBC-UAE Chapter’s efforts in advancing economic collaboration.
The event also saw the launch of several groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at fostering informed decision-making and economic growth. These included:
- “India-UAE Odyssey: Focus on CEPA” – A comprehensive analysis of CEPA’s impact on trade and investment.
- “UIBC-UC x SBI Caps: Renewable Energy Sector-Investment Roadmap in India” – A guide to investment opportunities in India’s renewable energy sector.
- “UIBC-UC x Andersen: Handbook for Doing Business in the UAE” – A resource for navigating the UAE’s business landscape.
- “Opening Gateways – Tourism Opportunities India-UAE” – A coffee table book celebrating tourism ties between the two nations.
The UIBC-UC team, including Kshitij Korde and Neha Sahni, unveiled these white papers, highlighting the shared commitment to shaping the future of bilateral relations.
A panel discussion on “The India-UAE Growth Story” featured insights from industry leaders such as Faizal Kottikollon, Rizwan Soomar, and Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf. Moderated by Thomas Kuruvilla of Arthur D Little, the discussion emphasized the importance of collaboration in sectors like infrastructure, logistics, and finance.
Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, underscored the critical role of human capital in driving sustainable economic growth, while Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi outlined the future roadmap for the India-UAE partnership.
Reflecting on the milestones, Faizal Kottikollon remarked, “These achievements are a testament to the strength of India-UAE collaboration. Together, we are shaping the future of trade and investment, creating lasting opportunities for growth and innovation.” He added, “The next chapter in India-UAE relations will be defined by deepening trade, enhanced investment, and a robust partnership in key industries. We are on the cusp of something truly transformative.”
The UIBC-UAE Chapter, supported by the foreign ministries of both nations, has been instrumental in driving high-impact initiatives such as Emaar’s FDI in Jammu and Kashmir, DP World’s Bharat Mart partnership, and the India-UAE hospital project. With 18 influential members, the council continues to play a pivotal role in advancing economic collaboration between India and the UAE.
The evening concluded on a high note, celebrating the remarkable progress made under the CEPA and setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
