Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, reiterated the UAE’s firm commitment to open and rules-based trade as a cornerstone of long-term global development during the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting (TIMM) held in Gqeberha, South Africa.
During his address, Al Zeyoudi emphasised the UAE’s dedication to fostering international collaboration to tackle modern trade challenges. He called for collective efforts to strengthen and modernise supply chains while improving the accessibility and fairness of the global trading framework.
The G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting serves as the key platform for member countries to deliberate on trade and investment priorities, which subsequently shape discussions at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November. Invited as a special guest by South Africa in its capacity as G20 President, the UAE delegation—led by Al Zeyoudi—took part in sessions focused on industrialisation for sustainable growth, inclusive trade principles, and the ongoing reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Al Zeyoudi also stressed the importance of aligning objectives across international institutions to ensure a fair and balanced global trading environment. He highlighted the need for trade policies that integrate developmental concerns, enabling all nations to benefit equitably from global trade while advancing sustainability and economic resilience.
“The G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting is a crucial platform to identify key challenges affecting global trade and develop practical solutions,” said Al Zeyoudi. “The United Arab Emirates remains committed to promoting policies that keep supply chains open and inclusive, ensuring trade continues to serve as a catalyst for long-term growth and development.”
The UAE’s progressive trade strategy gained recognition in a new UNCTAD-OECD investment report commissioned under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The report praised the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) programme as an effective model for boosting trade and driving investment across strategic sectors, including clean energy, digital innovation, and public health.
Specifically, the report cited the UAE’s CEPAs with India, Australia, Türkiye, and New Zealand as exemplary cases demonstrating how targeted trade partnerships can deepen international cooperation and foster sustainable economic progress. Since launching the CEPA initiative in 2021, the UAE has finalised 31 trade agreements, encompassing economies at various stages of development and across multiple regions.
