Latest news with #tradepartnerships
France 24
09-07-2025
- Business
- France 24
Trump hosts African leaders in landmark trade-focused summit
The White House is seeking to strengthen economic ties with the mineral-rich region as it curbs foreign aid to Africa, where countries have been hit by a 10 percent global import tariff announced by Trump. Talks with the presidents of Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon are expected to focus on commercial opportunities and security. "This summit marks a pivot point and test for how the Trump administration's foreign policy will fare when it comes to US-Africa engagement," Landry Signe, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, wrote in a commentary on the gathering. "Whether the United States can translate its new doctrine into durable partnerships will depend on its ability to outcompete China and Russia with capital, presence, and long-term commitment." The talks -- scheduled during a lunch in the State Dining Room -- come with Washington seeking to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals. All five of the countries invited enjoy rich natural resources, including manganese -- a key mineral in the production of stainless steel and batteries -- iron ore, gold, diamonds, lithium and cobalt. But overshadowing the talks will be radical steps by Trump and his officials to recalibrate US relations with African nations. Earlier this month, the administration shuttered the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and said it was moving away from a "charity based-model" to focus instead on trade-based partnerships. West Africa is expected to be among the regions hardest hit by the aid cuts, which are likely to lead to more than 14 million additional deaths globally by 2030, according to a study published in the Lancet medical journal. Drug trafficking and immigration US financial help played a crucial role in rebuilding Liberia after its civil wars, and it was still receiving an annual $160 million -- about three percent of its GDP -- as recently as last year. Liberia's President Joseph Boakai accepted the invitation with an eye on trade and investment rather than being "solely (an) aid recipient," his press secretary Kula Fofana told AFP. US arch-rival China has made substantial investments in several of the nations attending, with Gabon providing 22 percent of the manganese it uses in batteries. Russia has supported the nascent Alliance of Sahel States, which shares borders with several of the countries at Wednesday's lunch. Security is expected to loom large, with international drug trafficking and immigration top concerns for Washington. West Africa's Sahel countries have been dogged with threats from terrorist groups and political instability brought about through a series of coups. Entries from the region make up a significant portion of the Black immigrant population in the United States, which rose by almost a quarter between 2012 and 2022, reaching 4.3 million individuals. Guinea-Bissau -- a transit zone for cocaine shipments from Latin America to Europe and beyond -- has struggled to contain drug trafficking. "Economically, this is a great opportunity opening for us," said the country's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. A potential US travel ban impacting Gabon, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal was reported in June, as part of a larger list of 36 countries facing scrutiny by the Trump administration.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Chamber membership rises 4.9% to 157,000+ companies
Abu Dhabi-UAE – Membership in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has grown to 157,207 companies, a 4.9% increase between September 2024 and June 2025. The growth reflects the Chamber's efforts to empower businesses through tailored services, bridge the private and public sectors, and improve access to investment opportunities. At a press briefing, Abu Dhabi Chamber outlined key achievements over the last nine months, highlighting the Chamber's commitment to supporting businesses in Abu Dhabi. Since September 2024, ADCCI has hosted 69 business events with government bodies, welcomed 70 trade and diplomatic delegations, and signed 25 partnership agreements. It has also joined 11 outbound delegations and opened its first overseas representative office in Poland, a strategic step in expanding Abu Dhabi's international economic footprint. His Excellency Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, said at the briefing: 'Abu Dhabi's economic strength is reflected in the number of new members, and we believe strong partnerships between the public and private sectors will continue to produce success. The rise in memberships highlights the Chamber's strategic role as a key partner in economic development and a driver of competitiveness and sustainable growth. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the business community, sharing its ambitions and providing the tools and resources to compete on the global stage.' The Chamber's performance correlates with Abu Dhabi's economic progress. The emirate's GDP reached AED291 billion in Q1 2025, a 3.4% increase year-on-year, driven by a 6.1% rise in non-oil sectors to account for 56.2% of total GDP, reflecting success of economic diversification strategy. The private sector continues to accelerate economic growth and diversification as evidenced by their impactful role in the highest growing non-oil sectors and largest contributors to economic output such as manufacturing, construction, finance, real estate, and trade. In addition to its external engagements, the Chamber continued strengthening its internal services. Between September 2024 and June 2025, ADCCI recorded a 90.23% customer satisfaction rating on the TAMM platform. The Chamber's call centre responded to more than 18,900 inquiries, demonstrating its level of responsiveness and service quality. ADCCI continues to support the private sector by improving regulatory frameworks and facilitating open dialogue with policymakers. To date, it has formed 15 working groups comprising business leaders to identify challenges and collaboratively develop practical solutions across key industries. It has published 364 economic reports to support decision-making and held 10 workshops attended by over 1,000 private sector representatives to help the business community better understand legal and commercial opportunities. The Chamber has also honoured seven companies with the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in recognition of their commitment to quality and innovation. The press briefing heard how effective communication is vital to promoting Abu Dhabi's business environment. HE Al Dhaheri stressed the role of national media in spotlighting private sector achievements and amplifying success stories that capture the scale of Abu Dhabi's transformation while shaping its image as a world-class business and investment destination. ADCCI's work is closely aligned with the objectives of Abu Dhabi's Falcon Economy and supports wider national economic goals through targeted support for SMEs, exporters, and investors. Its 2025–2028 roadmap, developed in close collaboration with the private sector, guides ADCCI's efforts to provide key market insights and access to investment opportunities. Through its roadmap, ADCCI will continue to strengthen capacity building and contribute to the sustainable and inclusive growth of Abu Dhabi's economy.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Chamber membership rises 4.9% to over 157,000 companies
Membership in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has grown to 157,207 companies, a 4.9 percent increase between September 2024 and June 2025. The growth reflects the Chamber's efforts to empower businesses through tailored services, bridge the private and public sectors, and improve access to investment opportunities. At a press briefing, Abu Dhabi Chamber outlined key achievements over the last nine months, highlighting the Chamber's commitment to supporting businesses in Abu Dhabi. Since September 2024, ADCCI has hosted 69 business events with government bodies, welcomed 70 trade and diplomatic delegations, and signed 25 partnership agreements. It has also joined 11 outbound delegations and opened its first overseas representative office in Poland, a strategic step in expanding Abu Dhabi's international economic footprint. Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, said, 'Abu Dhabi's economic strength is reflected in the number of new members, and we believe strong partnerships between the public and private sectors will continue to produce success. The rise in memberships highlights the Chamber's strategic role as a key partner in economic development and a driver of competitiveness and sustainable growth. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the business community, sharing its ambitions and providing the tools and resources to compete on the global stage.' The Chamber's performance correlates with Abu Dhabi's economic progress. The emirate's GDP reached AED291 billion in Q1 2025, a 3.4 percent increase year-on-year, driven by a 6.1 percent rise in non-oil sectors to account for 56.2 percent of total GDP, reflecting success of economic diversification strategy. The private sector continues to accelerate economic growth and diversification as evidenced by their impactful role in the highest growing non-oil sectors and largest contributors to economic output such as manufacturing, construction, finance, real estate, and trade. In addition to its external engagements, the Chamber continued strengthening its internal services. Between September 2024 and June 2025, ADCCI recorded a 90.23 percent customer satisfaction rating on the TAMM platform. The Chamber's call centre responded to more than 18,900 inquiries, demonstrating its level of responsiveness and service quality. ADCCI continues to support the private sector by improving regulatory frameworks and facilitating open dialogue with policymakers. To date, it has formed 15 working groups comprising business leaders to identify challenges and collaboratively develop practical solutions across key industries. It has published 364 economic reports to support decision-making and held 10 workshops attended by over 1,000 private sector representatives to help the business community better understand legal and commercial opportunities. The Chamber has also honoured seven companies with the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in recognition of their commitment to quality and innovation. The press briefing heard how effective communication is vital to promoting Abu Dhabi's business environment. Al Dhaheri stressed the role of national media in spotlighting private sector achievements and amplifying success stories that capture the scale of Abu Dhabi's transformation while shaping its image as a world-class business and investment destination. ADCCI's work is closely aligned with the objectives of Abu Dhabi's Falcon Economy and supports wider national economic goals through targeted support for SMEs, exporters, and investors. Its 2025–2028 roadmap, developed in close collaboration with the private sector, guides ADCCI's efforts to provide key market insights and access to investment opportunities. Through its roadmap, ADCCI will continue to strengthen capacity building and contribute to the sustainable and inclusive growth of Abu Dhabi's economy.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prime Minister to visit Canada for trade and security talks
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Canada later this week to meet Mark Carney for talks on security and economic partnerships. The Times reported that the pair will meet on June 14, ahead of the G7 leaders' summit in Alberta, against the backdrop of growing concerns about Donald Trump's trade war against its northern neighbour and repeated threats to annex Canada. Mr Trump has repeatedly suggested turning Canada into its 51st state and imposed tariffs that led to retaliation from Ottawa. The Canadian prime minister made the trip to Washington DC last month in a bid to ease tensions, but was dealt a blow last week when the US president doubled tariffs on steel imports. Only the UK was spared from the White House's tariff hike, thanks to a deal struck between the two countries. Levies will remain at 25% for imports from the UK, however Britain could still be subject to the higher 50% rate from July. Sir Keir Starmer's trade pact with the US, struck last month, included relief on the steel and aluminium tariffs, but the implementation is yet to be finalised. The Prime Minister's trip follows a royal visit by the King, who warned Canada is facing a 'critical moment' in its history, with the world a 'more dangerous and uncertain place' in a speech to open the nation's parliament. Charles delivered an address written by the Canadian government that said Mr Carney's administration would bond with 'reliable trading partners and allies', a move that follows Mr Trump's economic tactics. Many Canadians have seen the King's two-day visit to Ottawa as a symbol of support for the nation that has faced the unwanted attention of Mr Trump. Charles told the parliament 'self-determination' was among a number of values Canada held dear and the government was 'determined to protect'.
Emirates 24/7
20-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Al Zeyoudi Highlights CEPA's Role in Driving UAE's Industrial Growth at 'Make It In The Emirates
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, participated in a high-level panel titled 'Redefining Industry, Trade, and Investment' during the opening ceremony of the 'Make It In The Emirates' forum. In his remarks, HE Al Zeyoudi underscored the UAE's commitment to expanding its industrial base through strategic trade partnerships and innovation-driven initiatives. Addressing a distinguished audience of manufacturers, investors, and industry leaders, HE Al Zeyoudi emphasized the transformative role of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program in shaping the future of UAE's industrial landscape. 'The CEPA program is not only creating access to diverse markets — it is also facilitating knowledge transfer and skills development across various sectors. As we innovate and diversify, we are building a robust industrial foundation that will sustain our economic growth,' he stated. The 'Make It In The Emirates' event has emerged as a key platform to showcase investment opportunities in the UAE's industrial and manufacturing sectors. It highlights the country's strategic focus on economic diversification, technological innovation, and sustainable development, all aimed at driving export-led growth and enhancing industrial resilience. HE Al Zeyoudi pointed to the UAE's recent leap in global trade rankings as evidence of the country's successful strategy. According to the World Trade Organization's latest report, Global Trade Outlook and Statistics , the UAE ranked 11th globally in goods exports, reaching a value of US$603 billion in 2024 — a six-place rise since 2021. 'Through CEPA, we are integrating the UAE more deeply into global supply chains,' Al Zeyoudi noted. 'These partnerships are accelerating industrial development, encouraging technology adoption, and positioning the UAE as a global hub for industrial excellence.' The UAE's industrial development is guided by landmark initiatives such as Project 300 Billion and Make It In The Emirates, which aim to increase the contribution of the industrial sector to national GDP and transform the country into a leading destination for future industries, including advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, clean technologies, and logistics. 'By leveraging CEPA and advanced technologies, we are creating synergies between goods and services, paving the way for a diversified and future-ready economy,' he added. The event concluded with a call to action for industrial leaders and global partners to invest in the UAE's rapidly evolving manufacturing ecosystem. The discussions reaffirmed the critical role of trade and investment in the UAE's long-term industrial strategy and its rising status on the global industrial map. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
