Strategic MoUs Signed
UAE India Business Council Strengthens Trade Cooperation: The UAE-India Business Council (UIBC) has taken a major step to strengthen bilateral ties by signing three new MoUs. These agreements are focused on implementing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and improving trade facilitation between both nations.
The move was formalized on 24 September 2025 and marks a structured effort to connect policy frameworks with industry-level execution.
Partnership with CEPA Council
The first MoU was signed between UIBC and the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC). This aims to create an institutional framework for policy dialogue and coordination. It will strengthen CEPA implementation by encouraging joint consultations and enhancing cooperation in investment promotion.
Static GK fact: The India-UAE CEPA was signed in February 2022 and is India’s first full trade agreement with any West Asian nation.
Agreement with SEPC
The second MoU involved UIBC and the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC). This focuses on priority service sectors such as logistics, healthcare, IT/ITES, education, tourism, and engineering. The pact will create new B2B and B2G opportunities, while working to resolve market access barriers faced by service exporters.
This step directly benefits Indian service providers aiming to tap into the Gulf and global markets through the UAE.
Static GK Tip: The SEPC was set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2006 to boost Indian service exports.
Regional Chambers Collaboration
The third MoU was signed with regional chambers including the Bombay Industries Association, Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These partnerships aim to strengthen state-level industrial participation and make CEPA benefits accessible to MSMEs and grassroots enterprises.
Such regional linkages ensure that smaller businesses can expand globally through UAE’s trade corridors.
Static GK fact: MSMEs contribute nearly 30% to India’s GDP and form about 48% of India’s exports.
Significance of the Agreements
These MoUs represent more than symbolic cooperation. They aim to create regional pathways for CEPA utilization, promote startups and innovation, and strengthen the link between policy and enterprise. By expanding opportunities for MSMEs, the agreements make the CEPA more inclusive and action-oriented.
This initiative also aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global trade hub, while strengthening its partnership with the UAE, a leading financial and logistics center.
Static GK fact: The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade crossing USD 85 billion in 2022–23.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
UAE India Business Council Strengthens Trade Cooperation:
| Topic | Detail |
| Date of MoUs | 24 September 2025 |
| Signed by | UAE-India Business Council (UIBC) |
| Partners | UAE-India CEPA Council, SEPC, Regional Chambers |
| Key Chambers | Bombay Industries Association, Calicut Chamber, Gujarat Chamber |
| Key Sectors | IT, Healthcare, Logistics, Tourism, Education, Engineering |
| Objective | CEPA grassroots implementation and trade facilitation |
| CEPA Signed | February 2022 |
| MSME Contribution | 30% of India’s GDP |
| UAE Rank | 3rd largest trading partner of India |
| Bilateral Trade Value | Over USD 85 billion (2022–23) |
