Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, has announced that investments from the United Arab Emirates in Belarus have now exceeded $4 billion. This significant milestone highlights the expanding economic relations between the two countries, characterized by a remarkable qualitative leap across various industries. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the UAE ranks among the top three largest investors in Belarus.

During his remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at the inauguration of the Minsk International Exhibition Centre, Al Zeyoudi detailed that Emirati investments span critical sectors such as defense, technology, hospitality, and urban development. He also noted an increasing interest from Emirati businesses in the food and industrial sectors, where Belarus has notable expertise and competitive advantages.

As part of the strategic relationship between the two nations, Al Zeyoudi revealed that negotiations for a free trade agreement concerning goods with the Eurasian Economic Union have been finalized and are set to be signed soon in Minsk. Additionally, a supplementary bilateral agreement focusing on services and investments has been completed, with legal reviews currently in progress in preparation for the signing.

He highlighted the necessity of capitalizing on this positive momentum by improving institutional and sectoral cooperation. This includes organizing business delegations and councils, as well as convening the next session of the joint economic committee later this year. These initiatives are expected to pave the way for enhanced partnership and economic integration between the UAE and Belarus.

Al Zeyoudi further expressed optimism about the potential in the food and industrial sectors, citing Belarus’s advanced production infrastructure and skilled workforce as key factors that will bolster integration in emerging economy sectors.

Regarding the newly inaugurated International Exhibition Centre in Minsk, which is backed by Emirati investments, Al Zeyoudi stated that its opening represents the first phase of the Northern Waterfront project. He described it as the beginning of an ambitious plan to establish a smart economic city in Belarus, aimed at attracting investments in tourism, boosting the economy, and advancing modern technologies. This initiative reflects the increasing presence of the UAE in international markets.