How is Assam CM Strengthening Ties with UAE Ambassador?
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Synopsis
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and UAE Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshaali discuss enhancing collaboration across key sectors, including agriculture and education. This meeting signals a promising future for trade and investment between Assam and the UAE.
Key Takeaways
- Assam is a vital gateway to Northeast India for UAE investments.
- CEPA enhances collaboration in multiple sectors.
- Trade between UAE and India has significantly increased post-CEPA.
- Potential for sustainable tourism is highlighted in discussions.
- Focus on agriculture and food processing as priority sectors.
Guwahati, June 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, welcomed the UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, on Monday. Their discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between the UAE and Assam across critical sectors such as agriculture, food processing, education, innovation, logistics, connectivity, and sustainable tourism.
In a post on X, Sarma expressed, “Had the pleasure to host H.E @aj_alshaali, the Ambassador of UAE to India at Lok Sewa Bhawan today.”
“The UAE is eager to enhance trade, improve connectivity, and explore investment avenues in Assam. We had a productive discussion on how the North East can expedite close cooperation between our countries,” he added.
Ambassador Alshaali's visit to Assam aimed to investigate opportunities for economic, trade, and investment partnerships.
“Assam serves as a vital gateway to Northeast India and presents vast opportunities for collaboration with the UAE across various sectors. It was a delight to share insights with Hon. Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma on how we can jointly unlock this potential. The UAE is enthusiastic about strengthening ties with this crucial state and supporting its ongoing progress,” stated Ambassador Alshaali.
Topics included India’s development of the Jogighopa Multimodal Logistics Park, which integrates road, rail, and inland waterway transport. Both parties underscored Assam’s potential to enhance regional and cross-border trade connectivity between the UAE, India, and Southeast Asia.
Additionally, it was highlighted that the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) provides a solid framework for collaboration in priority sectors for Assam, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, textiles, wellness, and handloom and handicrafts.
Since the CEPA was signed on February 18, 2022, bilateral trade between the UAE and India has almost doubled, soaring from $43.3 billion in FY 2020-21 to $83.7 billion in FY 2023-24. This surge is primarily attributed to a substantial rise in non-oil trade, which reached $57.8 billion in FY 2023-24. These outcomes demonstrate the CEPA’s efficacy in diversifying trade and moving towards the goal of $100 billion in bilateral non-oil trade by 2030.
Point of View
The meeting between the Assam Chief Minister and the UAE Ambassador underscores a significant opportunity for Assam to emerge as a pivotal player in regional trade. The emphasis on collaboration in various sectors reflects the strategic importance of fostering ties that can drive development and innovation in the Northeast.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sectors were discussed in the meeting?
The meeting focused on agriculture, food processing, education, innovation, logistics, connectivity, and sustainable tourism.
What is the significance of the UAE-India CEPA?
The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) provides a framework for collaboration across various sectors, enhancing trade and investment opportunities.
How has trade between the UAE and India changed since the CEPA?
Since the CEPA was signed, bilateral trade has nearly doubled, increasing from $43.3 billion to $83.7 billion.
