Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's UAE Visit Set for September 18-19

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

Focus of Discussions

The agenda for the task force includes reviewing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Double Taxation Treaty, and issues related to the central banks of both countries. Areas like maritime and space will also be taken up for investment opportunities.

Business Council Roundtable

During his visit, Goyal will co-chair the UAE-India Business Council roundtable with Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade. The meeting will bring together CEOs of Indian and UAE companies to discuss trade and investment matters.

Bilateral Engagements

The minister is expected to meet key UAE leaders and business representatives. This includes Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor of the UAE and Chairman of International Holding Company, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and Syed Basar Shueb, Managing Director of IHC.

Read more: India-Israel Bilateral Investment Treaty Signed To Boost Trade Ties!

Background of HLJTFI

The HLJTFI was set up in 2013 to strengthen economic ties and address investor issues. The 12th round was held in Mumbai in October 2024, where the Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and the UAE was ratified. The treaty had been signed earlier that year during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.

Trade and Investment Snapshot

Since CEPA came into effect in May 2022, bilateral trade between India and the UAE has grown from $43.3 billion in FY 2020-21 to $83.7 billion in FY 2023-24. Both countries plan to increase non-oil trade to $100 billion by 2030.

The UAE is India’s seventh largest investor, with total foreign direct investment of around $24 billion recorded between April 2000 and June 2025.

Conclusion

The meetings in Abu Dhabi will review the status of existing agreements and explore ways to expand economic and investment links between India and the UAE.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.