Aimed at promoting the UAE-India economic partnership, the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), in collaboration with an industry body, held a business roundtable today for Chennai-based exporters.
The roundtable provided an important platform for business-owners to discuss opportunities to benefit from the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and the bilateral strategic partnership more broadly. There were over 20 participants from diverse sectors such as logistics, automotives, agriculture, and healthcare.
Among the various economic, trade, and investment matters discussed at the roundtable, Col Shubhransh Srivastav, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, DP World provided participants with an overview of the recently launched Bharat Mart, which is set to boost Indian SME exports to the UAE and the greater MENA region, while Sameer Nawani, Chief Representative in India for the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted opportunities for Indian businesses to invest in Dubai.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, stated, “We are excited to host this business roundtable in Chennai, a city known for its vibrant economic sectors. The CEPA Council is committed to fostering closer ties between UAE and Indian businesses, and events like these provide an excellent platform for meaningful discussions and collaboration. The significant benefits afforded by the CEPA, including preferential market access and the facilitation of MSME expansion, underscore its role in catalysing cooperation and strengthening cultural, political, and economic ties between our nations. We look forward to building upon this momentum and continuing to drive impactful initiatives that will further deepen the UAE-India economic partnership.”
During his remarks, TT Ashok, Member of the CII National Council and Past Chairman of the CII Southern Region, said, “The UAE is our friend and a strategic partner, which is echoed in the strong rapport between the leaders of our nations. From signing the CEPA in record-breaking time to working towards reaching our goal of USD 100 billion, the sky is the limit for our collaborative potential.”
The roundtable also saw remarks by Prasanna Rajagopalan, CII-Co Chairman, Global Linkages Sub Committee, CII Southern Region, and an open discussion among participants on the opportunities to increase engagement between the UAE and Indian business sectors, and on key measures undertaken to ease regulatory obstacles for importers and exporters.
In this context, the combined efforts undertaken by the UAE and Indian governments under the CEPA to facilitate trade, boost innovation and investment, simplify regulations and policies, and eliminate or reduce tariffs were outlined. These measures have been critical to supporting the UAE-India partnership.
The CEPA stands as a cornerstone of the enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between the UAE and India. The UICC is dedicated to fostering open dialogue, facilitating tangible cooperation, and accelerating trade ties between UAE and Indian businesses to cultivate mutual growth and prosperity.