- Al Zeyoudi Highlights Trade, Connectivity and Investment Opportunities in Astana
On behalf of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, represented the United Arab Emirates at the Eurasia Economic Forum 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Eurasian partners.
Held alongside the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, the high-level forum brought together heads of state, senior government officials, and economic leaders from member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to discuss strategies for strengthening regional trade, investment, and economic integration.
Advancing Trade Corridors and Smart Logistics
Speaking at the forum’s key session, “Eurasian Trade and Logistics in a New Reality,” Al Zeyoudi underscored the critical role of modern trade corridors, paperless logistics systems, and multilateral investment projects in shaping the future of global commerce.
He highlighted the importance of enhancing transport infrastructure and digital connectivity to facilitate faster, more efficient trade flows between EAEU member states and international markets, while supporting sustainable economic growth.
High-Level Meetings Expand Economic Cooperation
On the sidelines of the forum, Al Zeyoudi held a series of bilateral meetings aimed at advancing economic collaboration and exploring new areas of partnership.
His discussions included meetings with Andrey Slepnev, Minister in charge of Trade at the Eurasian Economic Commission, and Arman Shakkaliyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, focusing on strengthening trade relations and expanding investment opportunities.
The UAE minister also met with Daniyar Joldoshevich, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan; Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre; and Allen Chaizhunussov, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Export Credit Agency, to discuss avenues for deeper economic engagement and financial cooperation.
Al Zeyoudi was accompanied by Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Ariqi, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Non-Resident Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan.
UAE Reinforces Role as a Global Trade and Investment Hub
Emphasising the growing partnership between the UAE and the EAEU, Al Zeyoudi said the forum provided an important platform to strengthen economic ties and unlock new opportunities across trade, logistics, and investment sectors.
“Our participation in the Eurasia Economic Forum reflects the UAE’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with the EAEU. Through strategic partnerships, we seek to create new opportunities for trade and investment while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation, connectivity, and sustainable growth,” he said.
Trade Relations Reach New Heights
Economic relations between the UAE and the EAEU continue to gain momentum. In 2025, non-oil trade between the UAE and EAEU member states exceeded US$33.3 billion, representing a 15 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Trade between the UAE and Kazakhstan reached approximately US$6.1 billion, marking an 8.6 percent year-on-year increase and reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as one of the UAE’s key economic partners in Central Asia. The UAE also remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner in the Arab world.
Economic Partnership Agreement Driving Growth
The growing engagement builds on the landmark Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between the UAE and the EAEU last year. The agreement is designed to reduce trade barriers, facilitate market access, and expand cooperation across strategic sectors.
The EPA forms a key pillar of the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its economy, strengthen global trade networks, and accelerate sustainable long-term growth through high-impact international partnerships.
BY: The Times Union
