Shri Goyal to co-chair 13th India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments

India-UAE to review CEPA, explore new investment opportunities; Shri Goyal to engage with top leaders and CEOs in UAE

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

The meeting will review progress on the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Double Taxation Treaty, and UAE-India Central Bank matters. Both sides will also explore opportunities for investment in key sectors, including maritime and space, that hold strong potential for growth.

During the visit, Shri Goyal will co-chair the UAE-India Business Council (UIBC) roundtable with His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and interact with CEOs of leading Indian and UAE companies. He will also hold bilateral meetings focused on strengthening trade, investment, and cooperation across priority sectors.

The Union Minister is expected to meet H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor of the UAE and Chairman of the International Holding Company (IHC); His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED); and Mr. Syed Basar Shueb, Managing Director of IHC, along with other key private sector stakeholders.

The 12th HLJTFI, held in Mumbai in October 2024, saw the ratification of the India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty signed during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in February 2024. Established in 2013, the HLJTFI has served as a vital platform for promoting trade and investment ties, identifying new opportunities, and resolving investor issues.

UAE remains one of India’s most important strategic partners. Their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is underpinned by deep political engagement, robust economic integration, and collaboration across energy, defence, technology, and food security. The CEPA, which came into force in May 2022, has nearly doubled bilateral merchandise trade from USD 43.3 billion in FY 2020-21 to USD 83.7 billion in FY 2023-24, while catalyzing a structural shift towards non-oil sectors.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement review to spur deeper trade and investment cooperation following high level investment talks. The minister will co chair the 13th High Level Task Force on Investments to review the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the Double Taxation Treaty and central bank matters, explore investment opportunities in sectors including maritime and space, co chair the UAE India Business Council roundtable, engage CEOs of leading companies, and hold bilateral meetings with senior UAE public and private sector leaders to strengthen trade and investment cooperation.