According to the Emirates News Agency, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, chaired the UAE-Canada Business Roundtable that convened senior officials and business leaders from both countries. The gathering occurred on the sidelines of the inaugural session of the UAE-Canada High-Level Economic Dialogue in Abu Dhabi, where participants examined ways to broaden existing economic links. Discussions emphasised practical steps to increase two-way investment while identifying joint projects that align with national development priorities in each country.
Ministry of Foreign Trade figures show bilateral non-oil trade reached AED 13.7 billion in 2024, confirming the UAE as Canada’s largest trading partner in the Arab world. This volume encompasses exchanges in commodities, technology solutions and agricultural products that have expanded steadily over the past decade. UAE Ministry of Economy data indicates the country’s overall non-oil exports have grown at an average annual rate exceeding 10 percent in recent years, offering a robust platform for deepened ties with partners such as Canada.
The roundtable placed particular focus on collaboration in energy, technology, food security, logistics and advanced industries, WAM reported. Al Zeyoudi outlined the UAE’s interest in leveraging private-sector expertise to diversify the bilateral economic relationship beyond traditional areas. Canadian officials contributed perspectives on sustainable development and innovation that could complement UAE initiatives in those same fields.
Al Zeyoudi said, “The roundtable reflects the UAE’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Canada and building on the momentum generated by the High-Level Economic Dialogue.” He added that sustained private-sector involvement would be critical to converting high-level commitments into measurable commercial results. The minister encouraged companies on both sides to pursue concrete partnerships that capitalise on complementary strengths.
Negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement formed an important backdrop to the discussions, according to the ministry. Such an accord would reduce trade barriers and open additional channels for investment once finalised, building on the existing framework of bilateral agreements. Government assessments project that successful conclusion of the CEPA could lift trade volumes substantially within the first few years of implementation.
Canadian participants presented overviews of their country’s capabilities in clean technology and resource management during the sessions, the news agency stated. Both delegations identified specific follow-up actions to maintain dialogue and advance selected initiatives. The event concluded with agreement to schedule further working groups that will track progress on the priority sectors outlined during the roundtable.
