Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, hosted his Latvian counterpart, Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economy, at the third meeting of the UAE-Latvia Joint Economic Committee (JEC), which convened in the UAE to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
The UAE-Latvia Joint Economic Committee that was attended by government officials, business leaders and private- sector representatives from both nations. The two sides discussed ways to deepen their bilateral economic partnership, which included increasing trade and investment ties in key sectors and establishing joint industrial partnerships.
During the meeting, the two nations agreed to enhance participation in trade fairs such as Investopia, ADIPEC and GITEX. The two sides also pledged to promote trade and industrial dialogue, such as holding conferences, seminars, panel discussions, and workshops in both countries, and to enhance support for SMEs and entrepreneurship.
The UAE and Latvia also expressed their readiness to explore joint efforts in technology, including artificial intelligence, space, quantum computing, robotics and healthcare, and deepen cooperation in transport and logistics. They agreed to promote sustainable agriculture practices, agricultural technology, and food processing, and to support the implementation of renewable energy projects through training programs, policy research, certification development, research and development, and targeted investment.
In his opening remarks, Al Zeyoudi said the UAE-Latvia Joint Economic Committee highlighted the strength of UAE-Latvia relations and the opportunities created through deeper cooperation. He noted the strong growth in non-oil trade, which reached $103 million in 2024 and continued its momentum in the first nine months of 2025 with $66.7 million. This performance positions the UAE as Latvia’s leading trading partner in the Middle East, accounting for a quarter of its total trade with the Arab world. Al Zeyoudi also underscored the solid investment ties, with the UAE recording $125 million in FDI in Latvia by the end of the first half of 2025.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi UAE Minister of Foreign Trade
“The conversations at the third UAE-Latvia Joint Economic Committee reflect our nations’ shared commitment to deepening trade and investment cooperation, and to building on clear synergies in the agriculture, food products and infrastructure sectors. We also see many opportunities in the industries of the future, and are keen to develop partnerships in areas such as renewable energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing. We are both clear in our belief that, by working together, we can build on our positive momentum and support each other’s economic and development ambitions.”
Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economy of Latvia said that, “We are honored to participate in the third Session of the UAE-Latvia Joint Economic Committee. Our presence here is a testament to Latvia’s commitment to strengthening our friendship, expanding cooperation, and building new opportunities for our nations. I am also pleased to be joined by a strong business delegation of over 20 Latvian companies from the fields of innovation, technology, energy, construction, transport, and logistics. Together with our Emirati partners, we share a clear ambition to deepen economic ties through dialogue and collaboration.”
At the conclusion of the UAE-Latvia Joint Economic Committee, the UAE and Latvia decided to hold the fourth session of the Committee in the Latvian capital Riga at a date to be confirmed.
