UAE non-oil trade with BRICS countries exceeded $312 billion last year, accounting for more than 30 percent of the country’s non-oil trade, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Al Zeyoudi said the UAE’s participation, led by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflects its active role in one of the world’s key economic and strategic platforms.
He said trade with BRICS countries grew 28.5 percent from the previous year, highlighting the potential for further economic cooperation with the group’s large markets, young populations, fast-growing economies and industrial bases.
Al Zeyoudi also highlighted the role of technology and innovation in BRICS economies, saying advances in technological applications and the growth of major companies were creating opportunities for expertise-sharing and cooperation in future-oriented sectors.
He said the UAE would seek to use the summit’s discussions to advance trade facilitation and expand free trade agreements and comprehensive economic partnerships.
The minister said the UAE had strengthened such partnerships even before joining BRICS as part of its strategy to diversify the economy and open new markets for the private sector.
He praised India for hosting the summit and issuing the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, which he said reflected the group’s priorities and vision, and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and international partnerships.
