Lucknow: On the third day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 summit in Davos, a pivotal meeting took place between Amit Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Anupam Shukla, Director of UPNEDA, and Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The discussions were centered on strengthening bilateral ties between Uttar Pradesh and the UAE, particularly in areas such as logistics, infrastructure development, agriculture, and skill certification.
The talks underscored the mutual interest in fostering private sector investments, especially in logistics and agriculture. Uttar Pradesh, being one of India’s largest producers of vegetables and fruits, presents significant opportunities for collaboration. The discussions highlighted the role of the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, which is set to bolster agricultural exports and improve air connectivity between the two regions, thus facilitating smoother trade flows, particularly in the food processing sector.
A major portion of the discussion focused on addressing the skill gap among Uttar Pradesh’s youth who are employed in the UAE. The UAE is a prominent employer of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, and the need for skill certification programs was emphasized. Both parties agreed that streamlining skill certification for youth from Uttar Pradesh would ensure they are better prepared for the UAE job market with industry-ready qualifications recognized in the UAE.
Furthermore, the UAE expressed a strong interest in participating in infrastructure development projects across Uttar Pradesh. The focus on enhancing the state’s infrastructure was discussed, with UAE-based private companies and investors eager to contribute to various projects in the state, including those in transportation, urban development, and other key sectors.
This meeting at WEF 2025 marks a significant step in deepening the economic and strategic ties between Uttar Pradesh and the UAE, setting the stage for an enhanced partnership that promises to bring mutual benefits and foster growth in sectors crucial to both regions.
