The Galician government has taken a firm step in its internationalization strategy by seeking to strengthen trade relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This objective was highlighted during a meeting between the Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Sports, Diego Calvo, and the UAE Ambassador to Spain, Saleh Ahmad Alsuwaidi.
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The meeting, which was also attended by the Director General for Foreign Relations and with the EU, Jesús Gamallo, served to address the importance of strengthening bilateral economic ties, with a focus on increase the export of Galician products and services to the thriving Emirati market.
The impetus for these relationships is supported by previous actions by the Xunta, such as the opening last year of a Antenna of the Galician Institute for Economic Promotion (Igape) in DubaiThis office plays a key role, offering advice, developing business agendas, and facilitating the establishment of Galician companies in the country.
The internationalization effort is already bearing fruit: during 2024, more than one hundred Galician companies exported to the United Arab Emirates, reaching a value of 74,6 millones de euros.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Sea, Marta Villaverde, also met with Ambassador Alsuwaidi. In this meeting, the Minister highlighted the extensive knowledge and interest which the diplomatic representative showed for the good practice of the Galician fishing sector and the strength of its marine-industrial chain.
The ambassador, for his part, conveyed to the regional minister the interest of the UAE Minister of Food Safety in visiting Galicia to learn firsthand about the work of the maritime and food sectors. explore potential investment avenues.
As a sign of Galicia's commitment to this market, the autonomous community will participate next year with a Galician companies' own stand at the two seafood fairs held in the United Arab Emirates.
