Punjab and UAE Strengthen Bilateral Relations with Focus on Trade and Connectivity
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann met with UAE Ambassador to India, Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshali, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between Punjab and the UAE. During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted Punjab's potential as a land of opportunities, with a strong agricultural base, industrial capacity, and a rapidly growing business environment.
The discussions emphasized Punjab’s role in addressing the UAE's food security needs, with its stronghold in food production, dairy, and agro-processing. Additionally, areas such as IT, logistics, healthcare, and education were identified as key sectors for future cooperation.
To facilitate further collaboration, the proposal for setting up a Joint Working Group was put forward. This group would assess mutual interests and strategize to enhance trade and investment opportunities.
A key issue raised during the talks was the need for direct air connectivity between Punjab and the UAE. The UAE Ambassador stressed the importance of more direct flights from Amritsar and Chandigarh (Mohali) to the UAE, which would benefit trade, tourism, and facilitate easier travel for the large NRI community, businessmen, and professionals from Punjab.
In response, Chief Minister Mann assured that he would take the matter up with the Union Civil Aviation Minister to seek approval for direct flights by UAE-based airlines. He emphasized that improved air connectivity would not only boost economic ties but also reduce the travel challenges faced by passengers, who currently have to travel to Delhi for flights to the UAE.
The meeting concluded with a shared vision to enhance economic engagement and elevate Punjab-UAE relations, focusing on long-term trade and investment partnerships. The discussion was attended by Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Saundh, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary Tejveer Singh, CEO Invest Punjab Amit Dhaka, and other senior Punjab government officials.
