Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, addresses the Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Piyush Goyal addressed the Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai, hosted by Dubai Chambers and attended by the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. Welcoming Sheikh Hamdan on his first official visit to India, Mr. Piyush Goyal noted the deep-rooted ties between Mumbai and Dubai, recalling that 2025 marks the centenary of Sheikh Saeed’s historic visit to India, highlighting the cultural and commercial continuity between the two cities. He appreciated Dubai’s social contributions, including establishing the first hospital for Indian workers and the support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic to over two million Indians residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Mr. Piyush Goyal underscored the trust-based partnership between India and the UAE, reflected in six high-level bilateral visits over the past two years. He highlighted the UAE’s contributions to India’s outreach to Africa, infrastructure investment, and its role in digital and logistics transformation, especially through companies like DP World. Acknowledging the UAE’s support in constructing the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, he described it as a symbol of shared values. Regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Mr. Piyush Goyal said the two nations are on track to reach the non-oil trade target of Rs. 8,61,800 crore (US$ 100 billion). He also emphasised collaboration in education, including an Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) campus already launched in Dubai and upcoming plans for the Indian Institute of Management and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade campuses. Citing India’s economic ambitions to become a Rs. 25,85,40,000 – 30,16,30,000 crore (US$ 30–35 trillion) economy by 2047, he encouraged deeper bilateral engagement in sectors like critical minerals, green hydrogen, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. 

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