The United Arab Emirates has reiterated its dedication to promoting open and rule-based international trade, underscoring its pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth and economic development worldwide. This affirmation was made during the inaugural ministerial meeting of the Future Trade and Investment Partnership (FIT Partnership) held in Singapore.
Kicked off in September 2025, the FIT Partnership unites nations committed to equitable trade practices and inclusive economic growth while addressing modern trade hurdles. The first ministerial gathering attracted delegates from member nations such as Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, the UAE, and Uruguay, with newcomers Paraguay and Malaysia joining, expanding the partnership’s roster to 16 countries.
Also present were observers from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Thailand, and Peru, showcasing international interest in the FIT framework and its objectives.
Key Initiatives for Trade Resilience
During the summit, several initiatives were launched to tackle emerging trade challenges:
Supply Chain Resilience: A pledge by 13 member countries, including the UAE and Switzerland, to identify and mitigate significant supply chain risks to enable faster and more coordinated responses.
Digital and Paperless Trade: A workstream aimed at setting international standards for digital trade documentation, simplifying cross-border transactions.
Strengthening Rules-Based Trade: A commitment to finding practical solutions for contemporary trade issues while exploring avenues for reform.
Technology for Trade SMEs: Initiatives designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in leveraging innovative trade technologies, allowing them to expand their solutions globally.
A Forward-Looking Partnership
The FIT Partnership aspires to amplify the voices of nations reliant on trade and create significant, real-world impacts as it seeks to further expand its membership to include countries dedicated to open trade principles.
While in Singapore, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, held bilateral discussions with ministers and trade leaders from New Zealand, Costa Rica, Rwanda, Switzerland, and Panama, aiming to strengthen economic and trade partnerships.
Through these initiatives, the UAE positions itself as a leader in the global movement towards more inclusive, resilient, and technology-driven trade systems, emphasizing its strategic role in the evolution of international commerce.
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