Abu Dhabi: The fourth edition of Investopia, known as Investopia 2025, hosted the inaugural Business and Investors Conference for Arab Countries, Central Asia, and Azerbaijan. The event took place in Abu Dhabi on February 26 with the theme 'Towards Sustainable Cooperation and Partnership.'
According to Emirates News Agency, this edition saw the participation of several ministers, government officials, and business leaders from Arab and Asian countries. Notable attendees included Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of Investopia, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship. The conference also attracted ministers and representatives from Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritania, the Union of the Comoros, Qatar, and the Arab League, among others.
Bin Touq emphasized that hosting this economic event reflects the UAE's and the Ministry of Economy's dedication to strengthening economic cooperation across Arab and Asian regions, particularly in emerging economic sectors. He highlighted the conference as a crucial platform for fostering sustainable economic partnerships and maximizing economic and investment growth opportunities.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stated that the UAE's selection as the host underscores its growing influence in global trade and investment. He affirmed the country's commitment to collaboration with Arab and Asian partners in line with the strategic objectives of We the UAE 2031.
Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei noted that the conference is a key milestone in strengthening ties between Arab and Asian nations in entrepreneurship and SMEs. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the UAE's competitive ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurship.
In his keynote address, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the dynamic economies and rapid growth potential in the region. He mentioned that non-oil trade between Arab nations and Asia surpassed $10 billion in 2023, with further growth expected. He also emphasized the UAE's role as a gateway for investment and trade with Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
The conference hosted two discussion sessions. The first session, 'Regional Corridors and Creating Business Opportunities,' addressed the importance of regional corridors in promoting global trade and facilitating investment flows. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stressed the pivotal role of trade corridors in boosting economic flows between emerging and developed markets.
The second session, 'The New Economy in the Region: Artificial Intelligence, Waste Management and Food Security,' discussed developments in new economy sectors and their role in enhancing growth and sustainability. It highlighted the importance of adopting policies that contribute to transforming economic models.
The conference concluded with both Arab and Asian sides agreeing on the importance of enhancing joint economic relations in vital fields such as trade, investment, energy, technology, and food security. They decided to hold the second session of the conference in one of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in 2027.
The UAE's hosting of the conference at Investopia 2025 aligns with the outcomes of the third session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, held in April 2024 in Qatar.
