TPCI hosts high-level India–UAE F&B stakeholder dialogue in Mumbai
Mumbai witnessed a landmark moment in India–UAE economic engagement as the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), in collaboration with key government and industry partners, hosted a high-level India–UAE F&B Industry Stakeholder Meeting on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The dialogue brought together top policymakers and over 55 industry leaders from both nations to chart the next phase of growth in bilateral F&B trade and investment, with a special focus on opportunities emerging under the India–UAE CEPA.
Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), in association with key government and industry stakeholders, successfully convened an India–UAE F&B Industry Stakeholder Meeting in Mumbai on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
The high-level dialogue was chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Chirag Paswan, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries, and H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE.
The meeting brought together over 55 leading industry captains from India and the UAE, alongside senior policy representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and Department of Commerce & Industry. Discussions centered on unlocking new opportunities and addressing key challenges in expanding bilateral trade and investment flows, particularly in the wake of the India–UAE CEPA.
Industry participants candidly shared their perspectives and concerns, to which H.E. Dr. Al Zeyoudi assured proactive intervention on priority pain points to further strengthen the trade ecosystem.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) presented updates on the Bharat Mart initiative, a strategic hub to boost Indian exports in the UAE. Further, APEDA launched the Bharati initiative, India’s first export enablement, incubation, and acceleration platform for agri-food startups. An MoU was also signed between APEDA and DWTC.
The deliberations underscored the shared commitment of both governments to deepening bilateral cooperation, while providing the private sector a platform to align strategies for long-term, sustainable growth in the F&B trade corridor.
