Promoting Trade and Investment Cooperation in the UAE–Middle East: Vietnam–UAE Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Hanoi, September 18, 2025 – The Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade), in collaboration with IMCE Global, successfully hosted the seminar “Promoting Trade and Investment Cooperation in the UAE–Middle East” in Hanoi. The event brought together government representatives, trade experts, and leading enterprises to discuss opportunities, strategies, and solutions for deepening Vietnam–UAE economic relations.

Vietnam–UAE: Strategic Partners in the Middle East

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Eisa Alhammadi, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE to Vietnam, highlighted that bilateral trade turnover between the two countries surged by 50% from 2023 to 2024, reaching USD 12 billion. This figure is expected to climb further when the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially takes effect in 2025.

Vietnam and the UAE continue to post impressive economic growth. In the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s GDP rose by 7.5%, with trade turnover hitting USD 432 billion, up 16% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the UAE recorded USD 1.4 trillion in foreign trade in 2024, supported by a world-class logistics infrastructure that connects Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.

“The UAE and Vietnam complement each other in many areas. Strengthening bilateral cooperation is the inevitable path forward for long-term prosperity and sustainable growth,” Mr. Alhammadi emphasized.

Seminar Highlights

The seminar featured in-depth discussions led by experienced speakers in market development, investment consulting, trade facilitation, and international cooperation. Delegates actively exchanged perspectives on:

• Strategic role of Dubai as a trading hub not only for the Middle East but also as a gateway for Vietnamese goods into Africa, South Asia, and Europe.
• Potential industries for cooperation: agriculture and processed foods, seafood, textiles and garments, footwear, wood products, building materials, technology solutions, and logistics services.
• Regulatory requirements for market entry, including Halal certification and compliance with UAE’s ESMA standards.
• Investment incentives and trade policies that make the UAE one of the most open economies with minimal trade barriers.

Representatives from both sides agreed that enhancing Vietnam’s presence in Dubai carries strategic significance, ensuring supply chain stability and boosting global competitiveness.

Strengthening Sustainable Partnerships

According to Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thu Thủy, Deputy Director of the Center for Trade and Investment Promotion Support (Vietrade), the UAE remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and an essential gateway to a regional consumer base of nearly 500 million people with rising purchasing power.

She noted that in a rapidly changing global trade landscape, building resilient and sustainable partnerships between Vietnamese and UAE businesses is more critical than ever. The seminar served as a practical platform for enterprises to explore Go Global strategies, expand exports, and enhance Vietnam’s brand value on the global stage.

Toward Comprehensive Cooperation

Alongside keynote presentations, the event hosted product showcases and B2B networking sessions, offering businesses direct opportunities to connect with potential partners. Participants praised the seminar as a valuable stepping stone to accelerate Vietnam’s integration into Middle Eastern markets.

Mr. Alhammadi concluded:

“We look forward to witnessing broader and deeper collaboration between businesses of our two countries, advancing green growth, resilient supply chains, and sustainable development goals for the prosperity of future generations.”