Yesterday, June 20, 2025, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Trade, in a significant development for Canada-UAE relations.
The bilateral meeting marked the first encounter between the two high-ranking officials and set the stage for strengthened trade and investment ties between the two nations. The discussions centered around concluding negotiations for the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, aimed at promoting business cooperation and growth.
Key Areas of Focus
- Ambitious Growth Agendas: Minister Sidhu highlighted areas of natural partnership, including AI, clean tech, energy, agri-food, and infrastructure, as both countries pursue ambitious growth agendas.
- Business Facilitation: The ministers agreed to work together to open doors for Canadian and Emirati businesses to succeed, supporting initiatives such as the Canada-U.A.E. Business Council mission to Toronto and Calgary.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in building economic ties between Canada and the UAE, with Minister Sidhu emphasizing the importance of fostering closer relationships between the two nations’ business communities.
Minister Al Zeyoudi also underscored the UAE’s commitment to promoting trade and investment with Canada, recognizing the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in key sectors such as technology and energy.
Next Steps
The ministers will continue to work together to advance trade and investment opportunities between Canada and the UAE. The successful meeting sets the stage for further cooperation and collaboration between the two nations.
In early July, the Canada-U.A.E. Business Council mission is scheduled to arrive in Toronto and Calgary, providing a platform for Canadian and Emirati businesses to connect and explore new partnership opportunities.
Conclusion
The historic meeting between Minister Sidhu and Minister Al Zeyoudi represents an important milestone in Canada-UAE relations, underscoring the nations’ shared commitment to promoting trade, investment, and economic cooperation.