The UAE is making significant strides to bolster its economic relationship with Poland, as Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, recently led a delegation on an official visit to Warsaw.
This visit marks another step toward intensifying trade ties between the two countries, building on the joint economic cooperation program initiated last year. The program, launched in 2022, aims to coordinate commercial projects, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and maximize investment opportunities between the UAE and Poland.
During his time in Warsaw, Dr. Al Zeyoudi met with key Polish officials, including Andrzej Duda, the Polish President, and Wojciech Kolarski, the Head of International Policy at the Polish President's Office. Other notable attendees included Adam Shmabkha, Poland's Minister for European Affairs, and Vladyslav Teofil Bartoszewski, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
They discussed various avenues for stimulating bilateral trade, particularly focusing on sectors deemed high-value such as renewable energy and agriculture. There was also substantial engagement concerning advanced technology and its increasing role within the financial sector.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the strategic partnership Poland holds for the UAE as it seeks to deepen its economic engagement with Europe. "Poland is not just another country; it’s our strategic partner as the UAE looks to deepen its economic interaction with Europe," he stated during one of the meetings.
The UAE's push for mutual economic growth is echoed by impressive trade figures. The latest estimates predict the value of non-oil trade between the UAE and Poland to reach $2.2 billion (approximately 8.1 billion Dirhams) by 2024. Further, total direct investments from the UAE to Poland are projected to stand at around $180 million by the end of this year, with the funds allocated to various sectors, including aviation, tourism, electronics, automotive, and food production.
On the other side, Poland’s direct investments within the UAE were recorded at approximately $272 million by the end of 2022, spread across diverse fields such as real estate, technology, and retail. This reciprocal investment framework enhances the economic synergy between both nations and signals their readiness to forge a highly collaborative future.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi remarked, "The non-oil trade figures with Poland, even amid global trade slowdowns, highlight the vitality of our economic partnership," showcasing the resilience and potential of UAE-Poland bilateral relations.
The discussion underscored the significant roles both nations can play within each other's economic landscapes, considering Poland's strategic location and leading infrastructure projects, particularly its ports, which act as gateways for UAE firms eager to expand and grow their footprint within Europe.
Overall, the visit to Warsaw has not only reinforced existing ties but also paved the way for vast business opportunities and deepened economic collaboration. The UAE's proactive approach to international partnerships emphasizes its long-term aspiration to position itself as a global trade and investment hub.
Looking forward, the collaboration between the UAE and Poland stands to gain even more momentum, reflected by mutual aspirations to build a future economy founded on innovation and shared prosperity.