IANS | 10 Jan, 2024
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said that
India and UAE aspire to expand their bilateral trade to $100 billion.
He also highlighted efforts that were underway to facilitate rupee-dirham trade.
Addressing
the UAE India Business Summit at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the
minister invited investors to participate in India's growth story that
was backed with a demographic advantage of a young, aspirational
population.
Goyal said that both the countries were looking for
newer propositions from industry and business to further enhance their
partnership.
He said bilateral trade has increased under the India
UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He also
highlighted key collaborations such as the India-Middle East-Europe
economic corridor and initiatives to promote Rupay and facilitate direct
rupee-dirham trade.
The minister praised the exceptional
leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in elevating the relationship between the two
countries.
He emphasised on exploring new partnerships,
identifying opportunities, and expanding cooperation in various sectors.
He envisioned the India-UAE partnership as a defining alliance of the
21st century, rooted in shared history and aspirations for mutual
progress.
Goyal highlighted the UAE-India business relationship
across various sectors, such as the plan to establish a Bharat Park in
the Jebel Ali Free Zone under the guidance of DP World Group CEO Sultan
Ahmed bin Sulayem.
He expressed confidence that this initiative
would open myriad opportunities for international trade between the two
nations and beyond, significantly elevating India's global visibility.
The
minister also praised Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of
Commerce, Yousuf Ali Abdulqader, in fortifying bilateral ties,
mentioning the significant investments being made in India's growth
story, such as the establishment of a shopping mall in Kashmir.
Drawing
attention to the burgeoning defence, cultural, and economic relations
between the nations, Goyal lauded the UAE's political stability,
business-friendly policies, and infrastructural advancements as
conducive factors for mutual growth and prosperity.