Hanoi (VNA) – A workshop was held in Hanoi on September 18 to share information, experiences, and opportunities for trade and investment cooperation, while fostering sustainable and practical partnerships between Vietnamese and United Arab Emirates (UAE) businesses.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Deputy Director of the Centre for Trade and Investment Promotion under the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, said the UAE and the Middle East remain among Vietnam’s strategic partners in West Asia. In particular, the UAE is the country’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and serves as a vital gateway for Vietnamese goods to reach nearly 500 million consumers across the region, where purchasing power continues to grow.

She noted that amid global trade uncertainties, the need for stronger business and investment cooperation between the two countries has become increasingly urgent, with considerable potential for expansion. Key sectors include agricultural and processed foods, seafood, textiles, footwear, wood products, construction materials, technology, and logistics services.

Dubai, as the Middle East’s leading trade hub, not only represents a major consumer market but also acts as a “bridge” for Vietnamese enterprises to expand into Africa, South Asia, and Europe. Enhancing Vietnam’s presence in Dubai, therefore, carries strategic significance for supply chain stability and competitiveness, she added.

UAE Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam Elisa Alhammadi noted that as both nations maintain impressive economic growth, mutual support is the natural path forward. He noted that in the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s GDP grew 7.5%, with trade turnover reaching 432 billion USD, up 16% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the UAE’s foreign trade hit 1.4 trillion USD in 2024, backed by a modern, expanding logistics network connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.

He stressed that bilateral trade rose 50% from 2023 to 2024 to reach 12 billion USD, according to UAE statistics. The figure is expected to climb further once the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially takes effect, hopefully in 2025.

Alhammadi said the two sides look forward to broader and closer cooperation between their enterprises, reaffirming a strong commitment to promoting trade, investment, green growth, resilient supply chains, and sustainable development goals for long-term prosperity.

From the UAE, Trade Counsellor Truong Xuan Trung, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office, said the Middle Eastern nation offers an open, investor-friendly environment with minimal protectionist policies and very few trade barriers. However, he advised businesses seeking to enter the market to ensure their products are Halal-certified and comply with standards set by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA).

During the workshop, delegates not only highlighted the potential and strategic importance of Vietnam–UAE cooperation but also discussed business and investment needs, trade policies, tax incentives, and business support measures in the UAE. They also explored opportunities in Dubai, market entry strategies from a Vietnamese perspective, partnership models, and support solutions.

ꦉ On the sidelines, exhibition booths showcasing products by agencies and enterprises were arranged, offering participants opportunities for direct networking and connections./.