On 29 January, Dubai hosted the international forum “Ukraine and the UAE: Expanding the Horizons of Mutual Trade and Investment,” dedicated to advancing economic cooperation between Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Business Council with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the UAE and hosted by DP World at Expo City Dubai. The forum brought together government officials, diplomats, and business leaders. Its central focus was the strengthening of trade and investment ties and the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The discussion was moderated by ICC UAE Director Vincent O’Brien.
The high-level status of the forum was underscored by the participation of senior government representatives and executives of leading international companies. Key speakers included Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Taras Kachka, Secretary General of the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce UAE Humaid Mohammed bin Salem, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UAE Oleksandr Balanutsa, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Director of UkraineInvest Maryna Khlystun, and Founder of CEO Club Tarik Ahmed Nizami.
Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka noted the growing economic interest of the UAE in Ukraine and emphasized the strategic importance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. According to him, CEPA provides a comprehensive framework for expanding cooperation, going beyond traditional trade to include investment, services, and long-term joint projects.
He stressed that both countries share similar approaches to economic modernization and maintain active business engagement, including the presence of Ukrainian companies headquartered in Dubai. Ukraine, he stated, remains open to international trade and investment. Among the priorities, he highlighted enhanced intergovernmental coordination and the attraction of strategic investments in agriculture and infrastructure, while also inviting international partners to engage in Ukraine’s recovery efforts.
Ambassador of Ukraine to the UAE Oleksandr Balanutsa outlined Ukraine’s competitive advantages as an exporter and investment destination, supporting his remarks with materials demonstrating the country’s potential.
“Ukraine is a resilient and reliable partner, and many have already seen this through cooperation with Ukrainian companies,” the Ambassador emphasized.
He added that Ukraine builds partnerships on the principles of trust, solidarity, and long-term commitment. Addressing business representatives, he underscored their role in shaping Ukraine’s international reputation and reaffirmed the readiness of Ukraine’s diplomatic missions in the UAE to provide comprehensive support in developing economic initiatives and partnerships.