The UAE-India CEPA Council recently held a business roundtable in collaboration with the Bihar Industries Association (BIA) to discuss the opportunities available for Bihar-based enterprises, particularly in the agriculture and food processing sectors. The event, moderated by Krishna Prakashsingh Keshri, President of the BIA and Director of Amrapali Foods, featured Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UICC, as the keynote speaker. Aljneibi highlighted the significant growth in agricultural exports from India to the UAE in recent years, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agriculture and food security. The UAE-India CEPA aims to drive initiatives for agricultural innovation and cooperation, contributing to the UAE’s position as a key trading hub for agricultural commodities.
During the roundtable, Aljneibi discussed a report commissioned by the UICC, titled “The UAE and Opportunities for Bihar’s Agriculture Sector,” which outlined the potential for agricultural exports from Bihar to the UAE. The report also examined the current market demand and legal requirements to facilitate new export opportunities. The event concluded with a discussion on ways to increase engagement between the UAE and businesses and exporters from Bihar, as well as measures to ease regulatory obstacles for importers and exporters. The UAE and Indian governments are working together under the CEPA to facilitate trade, boost innovation and investment, simplify regulations and policies, and reduce tariffs to support the bilateral partnership.
The UAE-India CEPA serves as a cornerstone of the relationship between the UAE and India, fostering open dialogue, tangible cooperation, and accelerated trade ties between businesses in both countries for mutual growth and prosperity. The collaboration between the UAE and Indian governments under the CEPA has been crucial in supporting the unprecedented growth in total trade between the two countries, which reached approximately USD 85 billion in 2022-23. The CEPA not only benefits businesses in Bihar by providing opportunities for exporting agricultural and food products to the UAE but also enhances the UAE’s status as a global trading hub for key agricultural commodities.
The discussions at the business roundtable focused on leveraging the benefits of the CEPA to promote cooperation and innovation in the agricultural sector, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture. The UAE’s emergence as India’s second-largest export destination, third-largest trading partner, and fourth-largest investor is a testament to the success of the bilateral partnership facilitated by the CEPA. The event highlighted the potential for growth in agricultural exports from Bihar to the UAE, emphasizing the importance of creating new export opportunities and meeting market demand.
Overall, the collaboration between the UAE-India CEPA Council, the BIA, and businesses in Bihar represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and collaboration. By fostering dialogue, cooperation, and trade ties between the UAE and Indian businesses, the CEPA aims to create mutual prosperity and sustainable growth for both countries. The success of the CEPA in facilitating trade, reducing regulatory barriers, and promoting innovation in the agriculture sector underscores its importance as a key driver of economic prosperity and cooperation between the UAE and India.
