Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 18–19, 2025, to co-chair the 13th India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) with His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

The meeting will review the implementation of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Double Taxation Treaty, and matters related to the UAE-India Central Bank. It will also explore new investment opportunities in high-potential sectors such as maritime and space.

During the visit, Goyal will co-chair the UAE-India Business Council (UIBC) roundtable with His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and engage with CEOs of leading Indian and UAE companies. Bilateral meetings will focus on expanding trade, strengthening investments, and advancing cooperation in priority sectors.

The Minister is also scheduled to meet HH Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE National Security Advisor and Chairman of the International Holding Company (IHC); HE Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED); and  Syed Basar Shueb, Managing Director of IHC, alongside other private sector leaders.

The 12th HLJTFI, held in Mumbai in October 2024, saw the ratification of the India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty, signed during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in February 2024. Since its establishment in 2013, the HLJTFI has played a key role in strengthening trade and investment ties, identifying new opportunities, and resolving investor concerns.

UAE continues to be one of India’s most important strategic partners. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is anchored in deep political engagement, strong economic integration, and cooperation in energy, defence, technology, and food security. The CEPA, which came into force in May 2022, has nearly doubled bilateral merchandise trade—from $43.3 billion in FY 2020-21 to $83.7 billion in FY 2023-24—driving a structural shift towards non-oil sectors.

News source: PIB