Mumbai: The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO Mumbai Chapter), organized a business roundtable that brought together over 40 Indian women entrepreneurs and business owners. The aim was to discuss how to capitalize on the advantages offered by the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as stated in an official announcement.
The UAE delegation featured prominent figures including Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE Ambassador to India; Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UICC; and Kawthar Alkharoossi, Senior Specialist in Investment Support and Inducements at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key representatives from FICCI-FLO, such as Joyshree Das Verma, National President of FLO; Aarmeen Mogul Dordi, Chairperson of the FLO Mumbai Chapter; Kiran Gera, former National President and Founder Chairperson of the FLO Mumbai Chapter; and Samina Khorakiwala, were also present at the event, according to the statement.
Aarmeen Mogul Dordi, Chairperson of the FICCI FLO Mumbai Chapter, remarked, "The UAE-India CEPA has transformed the landscape for women entrepreneurs. FICCI-FLO is honored to partner with the UAE-India CEPA Council to create this platform, enabling our members to gain insights into the CEPA's benefits and the UAE's role in helping their businesses succeed on a global scale."
Ambassador Alshaali emphasized that "Empowering women entrepreneurs is a key objective of the UAE-India CEPA. By promoting inclusive growth, we can fully realize the potential of the CEPA, fostering sustainable development and generating new opportunities for women in both nations."
During the event, Alkharoossi from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided a comprehensive presentation focused on investment opportunities in the UAE specifically designed for Indian women entrepreneurs. Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UICC, highlighted the substantial advantages that the UAE-India CEPA has delivered to women-led enterprises, such as improved market access, diminished trade barriers, and enhanced collaboration between the two nations.
The UAE-India CEPA presents transformative prospects for Indian women entrepreneurs by enabling increased market access, reducing tariffs, and streamlining trade procedures. It has notably benefited sectors such as textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts, where women entrepreneurs are particularly prominent, as noted in the statement.
This CEPA goes beyond conventional trade agreements by incorporating a variety of distinctive features aimed at overcoming the challenges typically encountered by women entrepreneurs. By simplifying regulatory compliance, optimizing logistics, and promoting transparent trade practices, the CEPA creates an environment conducive to the success of women-led businesses.
Importantly, the CEPA has played a significant role in strengthening the economic relationship between the UAE and India. Trade between the two nations increased from USD 72.9 billion in the 2021-2022 fiscal year to USD 83.64 billion in 2023-2024, marking an impressive growth of nearly 15 percent. These statistics reinforce the UAE's status as India's second-largest export market, third-largest trading partner, and fourth-largest investor.
Established in early 2024, the UICC has been instrumental in leveraging the opportunities arising from the CEPA's implementation. The UICC is committed to promoting open dialogue, facilitating meaningful cooperation, and enhancing trade relations between UAE and Indian businesses to foster mutual growth and prosperity, as highlighted in the statement.
