The UAE and South Africa are discussing ways to stimulate trade prosperity between the two countries
Dubai, 9 November / WAM / The UAE and the Republic of South Africa continue to explore opportunities to stimulate trade prosperity between them, by building on the upward path of growth of their non-oil trade, by providing more opportunities for the private sector on both sides.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, met with His Excellency Mpho Parks Taw, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in South Africa, to discuss ways to increase the volume of trade and investments and enhance cooperation between the private sectors in the two countries.
The meeting affirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its economic relations with South Africa and the African continent in general, given its growing importance in the global trade system.
This meeting comes after dialogue sessions held earlier between officials and business leaders from both sides, with the participation of His Excellency Fahd Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and an official delegation of officials and businessmen from South Africa.
During the meeting, the two parties renewed their keenness to enhance cooperation between the private sector and develop economic relations to achieve common prosperity.
During the meeting with His Excellency Tau, His Excellency Al Zeyoudi praised the remarkable growth in non-oil trade between the UAE and South Africa, which reached $8.5 billion in 2024, an increase of 14% compared to 2023, and an increase of 120% compared to 2019.
His Excellency said: “This trade momentum continued during the first half of 2025, as non-oil intra-trade flows reached $3.93 billion, making South Africa the UAE’s second largest trading partner in Africa, with a share of 7.6% of the total non-oil trade with the continent. It also ranks 22nd globally among the country’s trading partners.”
His Excellency Al Zeyoudi added: “There is a joint commitment between the UAE and South Africa to continue strengthening close ties in the fields of trade and investment, which we emphasized during our meeting today. We also discussed joint projects in the logistics, renewable energy and real estate sectors. We also discussed new opportunities in agriculture, food production, infrastructure and industry, and we stressed that joint cooperation will allow us to build on this positive momentum and support the economic and development ambitions of the two countries.”
It is noteworthy that the UAE continues to strengthen its development partnerships with the African continent, to achieve sustainable growth and comprehensive development. With the recent signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Angola, the UAE has concluded 5 similar agreements with sub-Saharan African countries, including Mauritius, Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville, and the Central African Republic.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related
