This morning, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Antonio Tajani, met Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, at Farnesina.
Ministers Tajani and Al Marri discussed the main bilateral economic issues in light of the renewed commitment of the Italian Government to boost the relationship between Rome and Abu Dhabi, ratified on 3-4 March and included in a Declaration on Strategic Partnership. These days, Ministry Al Marri is also visiting Italy in view of the “Investopia Europe” event, which will be held in Milan on 19 May. The event will provide an essential global investment platform in connection with the “Investopia” initiative promoted by the United Arab Emirates government in 2021 and allow Italian and European businesses to assess new investment proposals and create agreements with leading sectoral players (more than 50 businesses of the Emirates will join the event).
The fruitful economic partnership between Rome and Abu Dhabi has been confirmed: in 2022, the exchange value was EUR 8 billion (+19%), with a record increase in Italian exports (EUR 6 billion, +28%). Jewellery remains the leading sector, followed by machinery, electrical appliances, food products, automotive and interior design. The Emirates market is also the first targeted by our exports: Italy ranks 7th in the UAE suppliers’ index (2nd in the EU after Germany) and 19th in the UAE client’s index. Italy benefits from a solid and widespread presence in the UAE, with about 600 businesses operating in the energy, infrastructure and transportation industries.
Ministers Tajani and Al Marri discussed new collaboration perspectives and business opportunities, focusing on innovation (biotechnologies and pharmaceutical industries) and the food, space and environmental sustainability sectors.
