UAE stresses need for deeper economic cooperation with OIC states

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, has stressed the need for deeper economic and commercial integration with OIC member states amid "rapid geopolitical shifts that are challenging international trade flows and supply chains".

Attending the 42nd session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, Al Zeyoudi highlighted the importance of developing trade finance instruments and strengthening trade and investment cooperation among member states.

The minister attended the event on behalf of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"The UAE is committed to elevating economic, trade, and investment cooperation with OIC member states into effective, sustainable strategic partnerships that foster integration and support shared prosperity," said Al Zeyoudi. 

In his address, he added that the OIC's combined $10 trillion under 57 member states holds "considerable potential to deepen intra-organisation trade".

"By developing trade finance instruments, activating the trade preferential system, and leveraging advanced technology, we can increase exports and strengthen the competitiveness of our economies," said the minister. 

He noted that OIC member states account for approximately 10 per cent of global GDP, with commodity exports reaching approximately $2.7 trillion in 2025, of which intra-organisation trade accounted for $650 billion, or about 24 per cent of total exports.

Al Zeyoudi further emphasised the need to expand trade and logistics networks and accelerate digital transformation to enhance intra-organisation trade flows.

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with OIC member states reached approximately $358.1 billion in 2025, accounting for 35 per cent of its total non-oil foreign trade. In the first half of 2026, the figure reached $194.8 billion, a 20.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

The minister also emphasised the UAE's experience in concluding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) as a pathway to rules-based trade openness, expanded market access, higher exports, and increased investment flows.

He reaffirmed the UAE’s support for OIC-led initiatives and its commitment to cooperating with member states on major economic projects.