UAE Calls for Stronger Economic Cooperation with Mercosur at Paraguay Summit
Asunción, The Gulf Observer: On behalf of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi participated in the Mercosur Summit in Asunción, Paraguay, reaffirming the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the South American economic bloc.
Addressing leaders and heads of government of Mercosur member states and partner countries, Al Zeyoudi conveyed the greetings of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and extended his wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the bloc’s member nations and their peoples.
In his address, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade emphasized that the rapidly evolving global geopolitical landscape presents an opportunity for the UAE and Mercosur countries to establish a balanced and sustainable economic partnership based on shared interests and a common vision for the future.
He stressed the importance of directing strategic investments toward advanced technologies, future industries, renewable and new energy sources, as well as developing skills and knowledge to ensure sustainable economic growth. He noted that trade remains a key driver of economic expansion, innovation and diversification.
Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Mercosur, describing it as a strategic framework that would unlock the full potential of bilateral economic relations and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Highlighting the growing economic ties, he said non-oil trade between the UAE and Mercosur countries reached US$6.2 billion in 2025, while investments and joint projects have generated significant economic value across the bloc’s member states.
He added that ongoing discussions between the UAE and Mercosur extend beyond identifying new areas of cooperation and are focused on shaping the next phase of the partnership. Priority areas include strengthening food value chains, supporting the global energy transition, and enhancing logistics connectivity to expand market access for industries and exporters.
Referring to recent global geopolitical developments, Al Zeyoudi underscored the importance of close international partnerships and preserving an open, rules-based global trading system. He said the time was right for the UAE and Mercosur countries to build a partnership that reflects the ambitions of their economies while delivering sustainable benefits for businesses and citizens alike.
The UAE’s participation in the Mercosur Summit forms part of its broader strategy to expand its network of comprehensive economic partnerships with major economic blocs and reinforce trade and investment as key drivers of sustainable economic growth.
