Latest news with #ComprehensiveEconomicPartnershipAgreement
Dubai Eye
a day ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE to host landmark parliamentary session with EU President
A landmark parliamentary session is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on Monday, as Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), hosts Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, for an official UAE–European session. This marks the first-ever visit by a sitting European Parliament President to the Gulf region, highlighting the growing strategic ties between the UAE and the European Union. The visit follows an official invitation from the FNC and comes at a key moment in UAE–EU relations, with negotiations underway for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The session at the FNC's Zayed Hall in Abu Dhabi will bring together senior ministers, EU diplomats and officials for a dialogue focused on boosting parliamentary cooperation and aligning positions on regional and global issues. As part of the agenda, the FNC will also host the 18th meeting of GCC parliamentary heads, with Metsola joining discussions to further strengthen GCC–EU relations.
TAG 91.1
2 days ago
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE to host landmark parliamentary session with EU President
A landmark parliamentary session is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on Monday, as Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), hosts Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, for an official UAE–European session. This marks the first-ever visit by a sitting European Parliament President to the Gulf region, highlighting the growing strategic ties between the UAE and the European Union. The visit follows an official invitation from the FNC and comes at a key moment in UAE–EU relations, with negotiations underway for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The session at the FNC's Zayed Hall in Abu Dhabi will bring together senior ministers, EU diplomats and officials for a dialogue focused on boosting parliamentary cooperation and aligning positions on regional and global issues. As part of the agenda, the FNC will also host the 18th meeting of GCC parliamentary heads, with Metsola joining discussions to further strengthen GCC–EU relations.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to host UAE-EU, GCC-EU parliamentary meetings
21 June 2025 12:06 ABU DHABI (WAM)Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), will hold a special UAE–European parliamentary session on session will be attended by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, marking the first official visit by a sitting European Parliament President to the Gulf region — a milestone that underscores the depth of the strategic relations and growing partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the European visit comes in response to an official invitation extended by the FNC Speaker and coincides with a pivotal phase in bilateral relations, particularly following the launch of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations between the UAE and the EU. The parliamentary dialogue reinforces a shared commitment to supporting formal diplomacy and advancing mutual interests, especially in economic and development visit will feature an official dialogue session between FNC and the European Parliament, aimed at exploring new horizons for parliamentary cooperation and aligning perspectives on key regional and international issues and special session, set to take place at the FNC's Zayed Hall in Abu Dhabi, will be attended by senior ministers, high-level officials, and representatives of the accredited EU missions in the UAE. As part of the visit's agenda, the FNC will host the 18th regular meeting of the heads of GCC Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils. The meeting, chaired by Saqr Ghobash, will include discussions with Roberta Metsola, aimed at strengthening GCC–EU parliamentary cooperation.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
The G7's unravelling and India-Canada reset
The just-concluded G7 meeting marks a key moment, both for the group and for India. The G7's core agenda — supporting economic growth in the developing world — stood in stark contrast to the strategic imperative of addressing the spiralling Iran-Israel conflict in West Asia. Unsurprisingly, the only strong outcome of the summit was the G7 Leaders' statement on the Iran-Israel situation — highlighting that consensus, when achieved, is more likely on geopolitical crises than on economic cooperation. This sense of drift was amplified by US President Donald Trump's abrupt departure from the summit. This year's G7 meeting may have been a forewarning to how the US's economic and strategic repositioning could test the limits of the western economic consensus. Trump's protectionist policies, especially his aggressive tariff regime, have generated considerable friction between the US and its economic partners — none more so than this year's host, Canada. This reflects a troubling reality that the G7's economic heft and global influence are increasingly being contested as it faces new realities. The G7 faces three key issues: How does it retain its core economic agenda, primarily due to a US that is increasingly inward-looking; second, an America under Trump that is distancing itself from long-standing economic partners; and third, the group's inability to respond cohesively to the rapidly shifting global order driven by emerging powers. Amid this backdrop of uncertainty and disunity, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's visit to Canada marked a surprising but welcome turn in bilateral relations. This thaw comes after a prolonged period of diplomatic strain under former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's tenure. The renewal of ties signals more than a reset — it hints at a strategic recalibration of the G7 itself in response to the shifting global economic landscape, especially the rising influence of the Global South. Canada's India outreach takes on deeper significance as both countries re-evaluate their foreign policy alignments. For Canada, caught between an unpredictable US and an increasingly untrustworthy China, engagement with India offers a stabilising alternative. In this regard, the India-Canada Joint Statement's emphasis on 'shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,' along with mutual sensitivities marks a significant and welcome departure from the tensions of recent years. The decision to reinstate respective high commissioners, resume senior ministerial and working-level engagements, and identify areas of cooperation that could eventually lead to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) augurs well for the bilateral relations and demonstrates strategic maturity and intent in Canada to insulate the relationship from domestic political turbulence. This diplomatic reset marks a key follow through from PM Mark Carney's campaign promise to relook at India-Canada ties, signalling a possible pragmatic approach towards India despite opposition from certain quarters in Canada. Canada's long-term geo-economic strategy is evolving, and engagement with India is likely to become a key component of it both bilaterally and as an actor in the Indo-Pacific. The shifting character of the G7 was perhaps most visible at this year's summit. Its inability to maintain a unified position on Ukraine, evidenced by the retraction of a previously agreed statement, revealed the continued centrality of US support — not just in diplomacy, but also in financial and security commitments. Yet, the presence of India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa served as a subtle but powerful signal that the G7 is being compelled to engage with the Global South in new and meaningful ways. The G7, once a club of like-minded wealthy democracies, is at a crossroads. A dual dynamic of Western recalibration and Southern assertion is defining its current evolution. While internal cohesion among Western nations remains under pressure, a simultaneous embrace of emerging powers is becoming necessary. The road ahead will likely require balancing continued engagement with a less predictable US and deeper integration with economies that are assuming a growing role in global political and economic affairs. The group's future relevance will depend not only on its ability to maintain unity within but also on its willingness to share space and shape the agenda with rising powers like India. The India-Canada thaw, in this context, is more than a bilateral correction as it signals that rebalancing of Western global economies may not remain just a choice but a necessity. Harsh V Pant is vice president, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), New Delhi and Vivek Mishra is deputy director, Strategic Studies Programme, fellow, China Studies, ORF. The views expressed are personal.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Invest in Sharjah hosts business seminar in Tokyo
The seminar is organised in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). It is part of the entity's 4-day visit to Japan from June 18 to 21, during which the Invest in Sharjah delegates are meeting with officials from Tokyo's and Osaka's chambers of commerce and innovation, as well as senior executives from Japan's leading corporations. Visit explores opportunities to merge Emirati and Japanese expertise in key sectors During its visit, the Invest in Sharjah delegates are holding meetings in Tokyo and Osaka with Creww, which supports the growth of entrepreneurs through a smart platform, and with Plug and Play Japan, a company specialized in driving innovation within large organizations to help them thrive in a fast-changing business landscape. Discussions focus on potential joint projects, and enabling access to Japanese financing models. Commenting on the visit, H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, said: 'Our visit reaffirms Sharjah's continued commitment to fostering strategic partnerships in future-focussed sectors with the world's leading economies. We regard Japan as a vital partner in our efforts to advance a more sustainable and innovation-driven global economy.' He added: 'The Discover Sharjah seminar enables us to discover new prospects for collaboration in technology, and advanced manufacturing. It also allows us a closer look into Japanese innovation ecosystems and business accelerators. We are confident that as we continue to align the new and emerging strengths within Sharjah's and Japan's business environments, we will build on our robust foundation of cooperation with long-term projects and strategic investments.' Forum spotlights Sharjah as a leading gateway for sustainable investment in Asia The seminar highlights the strategic advantages of investing in Sharjah's free zones, which offer competitive incentives aimed at attracting investment across key sectors. Discussions highlight significant prospects for collaboration in innovation, technology and the development of advanced technology industries. Participants are also exploring strategies to streamline licensing processes and facilitate the flow of capital within a stable and business-friendly environment that promotes sustainability and long-term growth. A legacy of cooperation The visit is a testament to the longstanding relations between the UAE and Japan, which began with the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972 and have been further strengthened by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Sharjah remains a preferred destination for Japanese investors and businesses. In 2024, trade between Japan and Sharjah reached AED 1.035 billion, with 90 Japanese companies operating in Sharjah's free zones and 19 on the mainland. Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Japan exceeded $17.7 billion during the same period. Invest in Sharjah is dedicated to enhancing the emirate's global investment status. It organizes business seminars in key cities worldwide and within Sharjah, offering a platform for investors, officials, and private sector partners to explore opportunities, review projects, foster partnerships, and exchange insights on government initiatives and legislative updates, driving economic growth and strengthening international relations.
