The UAE has been intensifying its focus on non-oil foreign trade, establishing government-to-government (G2G) relationships through memoranda of understanding (MoUs), comprehensive economic partnership agreements (Cepas), and free trade agreements.
In 2023, the Gulf state ranked as the third-largest foreign direct investment (FDI) market globally in terms of project activity, moving up from fourth place in the previous year, according to GlobalData. Only the US and Germany ranked higher than the UAE.
The UAE attracted $23 billion in FDI across 1,277 projects in key sectors such as business and professional services, financial services, and software and IT services, driven largely by the country’s investor-friendly policies.
**UAE and France Sign Key MoU on AI**
Recently, the UAE and France signed a significant MoU on artificial intelligence, aiming to develop the AI ecosystems of both countries through investment programs and collaborations.
Both nations seek responsible AI development and deployment. The partnership includes investment opportunities in the UAE, French, and global AI ecosystems and plans to explore an education initiative.
Additionally, the agreement is expected to facilitate manufacturing and sourcing cooperation, exploring opportunities for the bilateral production and offtake of semiconductors, including essential AI chips.
**UAE and Mauritius Sign MoU on Energy and Sanitation**
Earlier, the UAE and Mauritius signed a notable MoU to enhance cooperation in water, energy, and sanitation fields, virtually in the presence of high-level officials from both sides.
The agreement covers cooperation in energy, hydrogen and derivatives, liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency, water efficiency, desalination, digital technology application, wastewater, and sanitation. Both sides will exchange information and experiences, drive joint research and development, and conduct joint visits and meetings.
**UAE and Jordan Sign MoU for Maritime Collaboration**
Before the MoU with Mauritius, the UAE and Jordan signed an agreement to enhance cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange in the maritime sector. This includes mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates of competence.
The MoU underscores both nations' interest in exploring opportunities and partnerships in maritime, promoting maritime education and training to advance socio-economic and cultural development. The UAE believes the maritime sector needs effective partnerships.
**UAE Builds its Position as a Global Trade and Logistics Hub**
The UAE has a fully operational Cepas program and aims to strengthen international relations to solidify its position as a global trade and logistics hub. Signing Cepas is crucial to this goal.
The UAE has already signed comprehensive agreements with countries including India, Indonesia, Israel, Turkey, and Cambodia, offering enhanced market access, rules-based competition, lower or eliminated tariffs, and simplified customs procedures.
These Cepas significantly aid the UAE in attracting FDI. Additionally, the country’s strategic location, focus on digitalization, and future-oriented industries further support this favorable trend, according to industry experts.
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