Cape Town: The United Arab Emirates participated in the second meeting of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) held in South Africa's Western Cape. The UAE delegation, headed by Juma Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the country's commitment to open, rules-based trade as a means of advancing economic prosperity, sustainable development, and green growth during the three-day forum.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Trade and Investment Working Group, under South Africa's presidency of the G20, gathered over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee nations, and international organizations to address key issues concerning global trade and investment. The discussions and frameworks established during the forum will contribute to the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for 22 to 23 November 2025.
During the forum, Al Kait stressed the significance of inclusive trade agendas for economic resilience and job creation. He highlighted the UAE's foreign trade and investment strategies that are propelling growth, diversification, and development in emerging markets while supporting regional integration in Africa. He referenced the US$800 million investment announced by Abu Dhabi Ports for African port and logistics development and DP World's network of dry ports that improve supply-chain access for landlocked countries. Al Kait also emphasized the UAE's efforts to boost SMEs' participation in global trade through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement program.
Al Kait remarked on the meeting's importance in identifying common ground on trade issues and resolving discord. He noted the challenges facing the global economy and the multilateral trading system and highlighted the need for leading economies to collaborate for a better future. The discussions at the forum underscored trade's crucial role in growth, diversification, innovation, and fostering a greener, more equitable future. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to enhance global trade rules and frameworks.
The third Trade and Investment Working Group meeting is set to take place from 29 to 31 July in Muldersdrift, Gauteng Province, South Africa, north-west of Johannesburg.