The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in partnership with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), has hosted a business forum under the theme “Expanding Trade Horizons Between Abu Dhabi and Korea”. The event, held at Rixos Marina Hotel in Abu Dhabi, aimed to explore new avenues for trade and investment while reinforcing the continued growth in bilateral relations.
Expanding Trade and Investment Opportunities
The UAE and South Korea recorded an 11% rise in trade in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching AED84.7 billion ($23.1 billion). Non-oil trade saw a significant increase of 42.5% during the same period. While UAE exports to South Korea registered a modest decline, imports rose by 14% to AED18.7 billion ($5.1 billion), reflecting a balanced expansion in overall trade activity.
The forum highlighted Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and business-friendly environment, positioning it as a hub for South Korean companies seeking access to regional and global markets. Participants emphasised the importance of private sector partnerships, knowledge exchange, and joint investment as key drivers of sustainable growth.
Strengthening Bilateral Business Engagement
The Abu Dhabi Chamber recorded an 11.1% increase in South Korean companies joining its membership in 2024 compared to 2023. This growth underscores Abu Dhabi’s rising global profile and attractiveness for foreign investment. Emirati companies are also actively operating in South Korea across more than eight key sectors, including retail, ICT, logistics, port operations, and advanced manufacturing.
The UAE-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is expected to deepen integration between Emirati suppliers and Korean value chains. The agreement will further expand cooperation across strategic sectors such as energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology, creating long-term value for both economies.
Shared Vision for Innovation and Diversification
Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said:
“Bringing our business communities together reflects the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s strategic commitment to enabling global partnerships that unlock growth, expand market access, and support the ambitions of the private sector. Our collaboration with the Korea International Trade Association highlights a shared vision for innovation and diversification and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading platform for South Korean companies looking to grow their presence across regional and international markets.”
Yoon Jin Sik, Chairman of KITA, also stressed the importance of innovation and diversification as core enablers for sustainable private sector growth across regional and global markets.
Building a Stronger Bridge Between Abu Dhabi and Korea
The Abu Dhabi Chamber, with over 158,000 member companies, serves as the collective voice of the emirate’s private sector, advocating policies that align with investment priorities and competitiveness. Its cooperation with KITA, which represents over 73,000 member companies, provides expanded opportunities for both business communities.
The forum featured panel discussions, one-to-one business meetings, and dedicated networking sessions, ensuring that dialogue translated into actionable partnerships. These interactions created pathways for joint ventures, innovation-led projects, and expanded trade ties.
For Abu Dhabi businesses, the forum served as a gateway to one of Asia’s most dynamic markets, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to empowering members to expand internationally and participate in global growth opportunities.
