Relations between Macedonia and the United Arab Emirates are entering a new phase, where political rapprochement should increasingly be accompanied by concrete economic cooperation, new investments, and expanded trade. Radio Lider discussed the opportunities opening up between the two countries with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Macedonia, H.E. Abdulla Ali AlSubousi.
In a brief interview with Radio Leader, Ambassador AlSubousi speaks about the new era of ‘special partnership’ between Macedonia and the UAE, negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and the interest of Emirati capital in investing in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and tourism.
The ambassador also discusses the possibility of direct air links and cultural cooperation between the two countries, cooperation that received a significant boost when Macedonia was featured as the guest of honor at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
“In recent years, challenges regarding the strengthening and intensification of relations between the two countries have been growing—particularly in the economic sphere, given that both nations are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which entails a broad, high-level free trade agreement. The primary goal of this agreement is the complete removal of barriers to investment, services, agriculture, and trade, thereby opening up new opportunities for economic growth,” the ambassador said.
He noted that investments from the UAE into Macedonia are currently at the stage of intensive negotiations, strategic planning, and concrete announcements, with a primary focus on several key infrastructure and energy sectors.
Through the UAE Ministry of Economy’s official FDI platform (UAE FDI Dashboard), Macedonia is listed as a destination attracting active interest for Emirates’ capital. The company Emirates Investment Group has been established in Skopje and is interested in future investments in Macedonia.