India-EU FTA Praised by UAE as Step Forward for Global Trade Cooperation
FTA seen as a model for sustainable growth and stronger strategic partnerships
Dubai, Jan 31: The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the landmark free trade agreement (FTA) signed between India and the European Union, describing it as a major step toward promoting economic openness and sustainable growth.
UAE Minister of State Saeed Al Hajeri said the pact reflects “the commitment of both sides to free trade and economic openness” and serves as a model for economic partnerships supporting shared prosperity. He also highlighted the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India as an example of an advanced strategic trade partnership based on mutual interests and economic integration.
The minister emphasized that such agreements deliver tangible benefits for all parties and expressed hope that the UAE’s ongoing negotiations with the EU would lead to a similar trade deal.
The India-EU FTA, described as the “mother of all deals,” creates a market of two billion people and includes complementary pacts on security and defence collaboration as well as the mobility of Indian talent to Europe. Key Indian exports expected to benefit include textiles, apparel, leather goods, handicrafts, footwear, and marine products, while Europe is set to gain in sectors such as wine, automobiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Reaffirming its commitment to international trade, the UAE stated it would continue supporting the expansion of strategic economic partnerships, underlining the importance of free trade in fostering stability and global prosperity.
