A high-level UAE delegation, led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, visited Brussels to enhance economic ties with the European Union (EU) and Belgium. The delegation engaged in discussions with senior EU officials and Belgian government members, focusing on boosting non-oil trade, exploring investment opportunities, and identifying areas for further collaboration in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, e-commerce, logistics, and renewable energy.
In a strategic move to bolster economic relations, a high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visited Brussels, Belgium, engaging in a series of meetings aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union (EU) and Belgian officials. The delegation was led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State.
Strengthening UAE-EU Trade Relations
The European Union stands as the UAE’s second-largest global trade partner. In 2024, the bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and the EU reached an impressive $67.6 billion, marking a 3.6% increase from 2023 and an 18.1% rise compared to 2022. This robust trade relationship underscores the deepening economic ties between the two entities, with the EU accounting for 8.3% of the UAE’s total non-oil foreign trade.
During the visit, Dr. Al Zeyoudi met with Maros Sefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security. Their discussions highlighted the key drivers behind the strong trade relations, particularly in sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and e-commerce. Both sides identified opportunities to increase investment flows into high-growth areas such as logistics and renewable energy, aiming to further diversify and strengthen their economic partnership.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the value of the EU as a trade and investment partner, stating, “The European Union is a highly valued trade and investment partner for the UAE, with ties that continue to deepen across a range of sectors. This is evidenced not only by increasing trade exchanges but also through strategic collaboration in areas such as food security, energy transition, and advanced technology.”
Financial Sector Collaboration
In a meeting with Maria Luis Albuquerque, EU Commissioner for Financial Services and Financial Stability, Al Sayegh and Al Zeyoudi discussed the pivotal role of the financial sector in facilitating global trade. They explored ways to improve small businesses’ access to supply chains, reduce trade barriers, and enhance cross-border payments through financial technology solutions, including blockchain and decentralized finance.
Al Sayegh highlighted the importance of such collaborations, noting that closer ties are essential to navigating a challenging global economy. He stated, “The UAE has long recognized the importance of constructive dialogue, particularly on matters of trade and global supply chains. Both the UAE and the EU are committed to ensuring that trade remains open and accessible.”
Engagement with Belgian Officials
The UAE delegation also engaged with senior officials from the Belgian government, including Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Theo Francken, Minister of Foreign Trade; Annelies Verlinden, Minister of Justice; and David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy, and Agriculture. These meetings focused on creating more pathways for cooperation, particularly in sectors such as energy, logistics, and manufacturing.
Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Belgium reached $4.7 billion in 2024, reflecting the strong economic ties between the two nations. Both sides expressed a commitment to further enhancing this relationship by exploring new avenues for collaboration and investment.
Promoting Open, Rules-Based Trade
Dr. Al Zeyoudi participated in a roundtable discussion on UAE trade policy at the European Policy Centre (EPC), alongside Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist of the EPC. The session underscored the imperative of preserving open, rules-based trade. Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the extensive benefits of the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program, through which the UAE has concluded 27 deals to date. He also emphasized opportunities for further collaboration between the UAE and the EU in key areas such as food security, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and artificial intelligence.
The UAE’s proactive engagement with the European Union and Belgium reflects its strategic vision to cement its position as a global leader in trade and investment. By enhancing partnerships across various sectors, the UAE aims to foster mutual prosperity and address global economic challenges collaboratively. The visit to Brussels signifies a commitment to deepening economic ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation, ensuring sustained growth and development for all parties involved.
