UAE strengthens economic ties with five South American nations

A UAE economic delegation led by Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, concluded an eight-day tour of Panama, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana under the UAE Trade Days initiative.

The tour underscored the UAE’s strategy of expanding its global economic partnership network and strengthening trade and investment cooperation with South American countries by empowering the private sector and exploring promising economic opportunities, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade and investment.

The delegation included representatives from government entities and UAE companies operating in key sectors, including technology, renewable energy, agriculture, food industries, logistics, transport, mining, financial services, and security solutions.

During the visit, the delegation held a series of meetings with heads of state, senior officials, and economic decision-makers. Business forums and bilateral meetings were also organised between UAE private sector representatives and their counterparts in the five countries to explore new trade and investment opportunities, strengthen economic partnerships, and expand cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The tour reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its economic presence in South America, one of the world’s promising economic regions, which possesses strategic natural resources and significant potential in agriculture, energy, mining, and infrastructure, in addition to its growing role in global supply chains.

Discussions focused on boosting non-oil trade, expanding mutual investments, strengthening cooperation in future-oriented economic sectors, and supporting UAE companies seeking to expand into Latin American markets and capitalise on investment opportunities across the region.

As part of the visit, the UAE participated in the Mercosur Summit, hosted in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, with the participation of leaders and heads of government of member states and partner countries, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with regional economic blocs.

The UAE continues to deepen its partnership with Mercosur member states and explore opportunities to expand trade and investment cooperation. Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and the bloc reached $6.2 billion in 2025, while joint investments and projects have generated significant added value for the economies of member countries.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr Al Zeyoudi said that, under the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership, the country continues to consolidate its global economic presence by expanding its network of trade and investment partnerships and enabling the private sector to access promising markets, further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global trade and investment hub.

He added that the five-country economic mission to South America reflected the strength of the UAE’s growing economic ties with the region and helped identify new opportunities for cooperation in priority sectors, opening the way for UAE businesses to expand their investments while contributing to sustainable development and shared economic growth.

Al Zeyoudi noted that the growing momentum in economic relations between the UAE and South American countries is built on a shared vision of establishing long-term partnerships and an expanding network of economic and trade agreements that facilitate the flow of trade and investment while serving mutual interests.

He stressed that the outcomes of the tour represent another step in expanding the UAE’s network of trading partners and consolidating its position as a global gateway for trade and investment, in line with its objective of building a more competitive, open, and sustainable economy.

Economic circles in the five countries welcomed the UAE delegation, expressing appreciation for the visit, which reflected the UAE’s standing as a trusted economic partner and its role in connecting global markets and enhancing trade and investment flows across continents.

A day earllier, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, received Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, during an official visit by a UAE delegation comprising senior government officials and business leaders aimed at strengthening trade and investment cooperation between the two friendly countries.

The meeting was attended by Omar Shehadeh, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States.

During the meeting, held at the Presidential Headquarters in Georgetown, Al Zeyoudi conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for Guyana and its people.

President Ali welcomed the UAE delegation and asked Al Zeyoudi to convey his greetings to the UAE leadership, together with his wishes for the continued progress, prosperity and well-being of the UAE and its people. The meeting reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors of mutual interest, particularly in trade and investment, reflecting the growing relationship between the UAE and Guyana and both countries’ commitment to advancing it to new levels.

WAM