The fourth meeting of the Ukraine–UAE Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in recent days. It was co-chaired by Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, as reported by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
The meeting focused on developing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.
The two sides discussed the growth of bilateral trade following ratification of the CEPA agreement, the role of chambers of commerce and industry and business associations, and industrial cooperation. They also identified promising areas of cooperation in space technology.
The meeting also covered investment, development, logistics and transport. In particular, the sides considered attracting investors to the Ukrainian economy in logistics, infrastructure, energy, and technological and industrial development. Under the agreements reached, a bilateral working group on investment will be set up.
Special attention was paid to the agricultural sector — the prospects for expanding trade and deepening cooperation between producers.
In healthcare, the sides discussed strengthening engagement through direct cooperation between the relevant ministries and the exchange of expertise.
Cooperation in culture, youth and sport was also raised, with a view to launching engagement in the humanitarian sphere to strengthen people-to-people contacts and mutual understanding between the two societies.
“We see the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates as a key boost to our further cooperation. The agreement covers not only trade in the classic sense but also services, investment, the digital economy and other areas that shape the economy of the future, and we are determined to complete its ratification and move to practical implementation in the near future. We see significant potential for UAE investment in the development of logistics, port and transport infrastructure, energy transformation, and Ukraine’s technological and industrial growth. These are investments not only in rebuilding our country but in a sustainable, green and globally integrated future,” Taras Kachka said following the Commission meeting.
Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy noted that a key role in Ukraine’s reconstruction will be played not only by infrastructure projects but above all by human capital. In her words, it is people and their expertise, particularly in high-tech fields, that generate long-term global interest in Ukraine.
The sides agreed that the arrangements reached will form the basis for further development of the Ukraine–UAE partnership, growth in bilateral trade and the implementation of joint projects. The next, fifth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission is planned to be held in Ukraine.
Photo: Facebook page of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration
