Dubai Customs Consultative Council (DCCC) held a meeting on the historic UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which is expected to help increase trade between the two friendly countries by 120 percent to US$100 billion within five years, compared to US$45 billion currently.
The meeting was optimistic regarding growth indicators for various sectors in the UAE.
The virtual meeting was attended by Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director-General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Chairman of the Consultative Council, the leadership team of Dubai Customs and representatives of business and trade group members of the Council.
Musabih said that 2022 indicators give rise to optimism in all economic sectors, noting that the UAE played a decisive role in containing the pandemic and its effects through continuous development of strategies and initiatives.
The UAE has succeeded in facing challenges and turning them into real opportunities to support economic growth.
A World Bank report said the economic recovery in the UAE would continue during 2022, and that growth will reach 4.7 percent, driven by both the oil and non-oil sectors.
The UAE’s foreign trade in 2021 recorded nearly AED1.9 trillion, growing 27 percent compared to 2020, and 11 percent compared to 2019.
Musabih said that the growth included all components of trade, including export, import and re-export, and it is expected that the commercial sectors will continue to grow during the current year.
In addition, in October 2021, the UAE approved the federal budget for the years 2022-2026 with a total of AED 290 billion, making it the largest federal budget in the history of the country.
The budget reflects the country’s commitment towards achieving national development and providing a decent life for its people.
“The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and India ushers a new era of economic cooperation based on mutual interests between the two friendly countries, reflects the deep historical relations between them, improves mutual access to markets, and enhances economic, trade and investment opportunities,” Musabih said.
“The agreement helps reduce tariffs and facilitate trade between the two countries significantly, supported by innovative initiatives such as the Authorized Economic Operator and the cross-border e-commerce platform, as well as the Logistics Passport initiative,” he said.
Suresh Kumar, Chairman of the Indian Business Professional Council (IBPC), highlighted the role of the CEPA during the next stage in terms of developing trade exchange, as it includes many strategic aspects, and is considered a testament to the depth of relations between the two friendly countries.
This agreement is the first of its kind that the UAE has signed with any country, and it is India’s first with any country in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Kumar said that the agreement will assist companies and trade bodies in achieving greater market access while activating Indian exports, especially petroleum products, precious metals, chemicals and agricultural products.
He said that the UAE’s investments in India amount to US$67 billion, adding that India’s investments in the Middle Eastern country amounts to US$18 billion.
A presentation delivered by Ruhan Siroya from the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group reviewed lab-grown diamonds and the opportunities available in that field.
Another presentation from the Steel Manufacturers Group focused on the promising opportunities available in Dubai for steel producers.