Abu Dhabi – WAM – Sabri Saqr
In the presence of Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, inaugurated the UAE-Chad Forum for Trade and Investment in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
Also in attendance were His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the UAE; and His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State.
Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Prime Minister of Togo; Mohamed Bazi Zain, Prime Minister of Niger; His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Economy; as well as several ministers and senior officials from the Chadian government were present.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the UAE’s commitment to forming developmental partnerships with African countries, noting the strong ties that have existed between the UAE and Chad since diplomatic relations were established in 1973.
He highlighted that under the guidance of the UAE’s leadership, the country continues its role as a strategic partner in supporting the ambitious development visions of African nations, by fostering collaboration in vital sectors. This is based on the belief that investing in sustainable development contributes to a better future for all generations and promotes stability and prosperity globally.
18 Memoranda of Understanding
The Chadian President and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced the signing of 18 Memoranda of Understanding between the UAE and the Republic of Chad during the UAE-Chad Forum for Trade and Investment.
These memoranda cover key economic sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and industry, aiming to open new avenues for trade and investment while enhancing developmental partnerships between the two nations. Additionally, 21 further Memoranda of Understanding were signed between Chad and various international entities at the forum.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan remarked that these agreements reflect the strength of bilateral relations between the UAE and Chad, marking a significant step toward expanding cooperation to benefit mutual interests and enhance sustainable development efforts.
Major Projects
Chad showcased its priorities and major projects as part of its national development plan at the forum, which encompasses 268 strategic initiatives across energy, infrastructure, and industry, while also highlighting the financial, customs, and regulatory incentives provided by the Chadian government to local and international investors.
Additionally, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Economy, stated that the UAE-Chad Forum for Trade and Investment in Abu Dhabi exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its role as a gateway for Africa to the world, building developmental partnerships aimed at achieving mutual economic growth.
In his opening remarks, he indicated that the forum symbolizes the depth of friendship between the two nations and reflects the UAE’s desire to strengthen economic and developmental cooperation with the Republic of Chad for the benefit of both peoples and mutual prosperity.
He expressed, “It is my pleasure to convey to you the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, along with his best wishes for the success of the forum, which embodies the strong friendship between our two nations and the UAE’s commitment to enhance economic and developmental collaboration with the Republic of Chad.”
He highlighted that the forum occurs during a pivotal historical moment for Chad, which is undergoing a significant economic transformation guided by its ambitious national plan “Chad Connection 2030”, aiming to create wide-ranging developmental and social impacts for its people.
He reaffirmed that hosting the event in Abu Dhabi underscores the ongoing commitment of the UAE to develop partnerships with African nations, with Chad being at the forefront.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi mentioned that the relationship between the UAE and Chad spans over five decades, characterized by significant progress and transformation across various levels.
He noted that non-oil trade between the two nations reached $1.9 billion in 2024, reflecting a growth of 32.3% compared to 2023, and a 69% increase from 2022. This data illustrates the strength of bilateral partnerships, establishing a solid foundation for further collaborative trade and investment initiatives.
He affirmed that the UAE continually seeks to support developmental efforts in friendly nations that share a forward-looking vision for the future, fostering international cooperation as a catalyst for growth and sustainable development.
He reiterated the UAE’s commitment to supporting “Chad Connection 2030” as a pioneering model for comprehensive development, noting that the forum will see the signing of several agreements and MOUs across various sectors that will bolster sustainable economic growth.
This will enhance cooperation between the governmental and private sectors of both countries, and he expressed his hope that the forum will serve as a practical platform to establish a new roadmap for commercial and investment relations between the two nations, opening wider horizons for future integration and partnership.
37 Agreements
Dr. Al Zeyoudi revealed to journalists that the forum witnessed the signing of over 37 cooperation and investment agreements, including 18 agreements between Emirati companies and Chadian entities.
In addition, a significant number of agreements were signed with international partners, and it is expected that the total value of the resulting investments from these agreements will exceed $6.2 billion.
He mentioned that the UAE is currently negotiating comprehensive economic partnership agreements with several African nations. We are in advanced stages of discussions with Rwanda and Nigeria, and other nations, including Ghana, have requested to join the program for comprehensive economic partnership agreements.
He confirmed that both the UAE and Chadian sides have finalized the terms of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement and are expected to announce it in the coming weeks.
He added that recent efforts have focused on renewable energy projects, while current initiatives are directed towards developing industrial zones in Chad due to their critical role in creating job opportunities and promoting economic growth, alongside the focus on the mining sector, which is one of the country’s key natural resources.
New Horizons
During the opening, the President of Chad delivered a speech announcing the launch of the Chad National Development Plan “Chad Connection 2030”, aimed at enhancing commercial and investment openness with the world and stimulating economic growth and comprehensive development in the country.
He emphasized that the UAE is paving the way for new avenues of economic cooperation and establishing a renewed strategic partnership with the Republic of Chad, highlighted by the hosting of the Trade and Investment Forum in Chad.
He stated that Chad values this model of cooperation based on mutual benefit and respect, embracing this collaboration with determination and confidence. He added that the forum serves as a genuine workshop for constructing the future Chad they aspire to build together with investors from within the country and around the globe.
He remarked, “We are not here to sell promises about Chad; we come to share a firm conviction born from bold reforms and a clear vision to make Chad the new destination for opportunities in Africa.”
He described the national development plan, Chad Connection 2030, as a vast national project charting the course for real economic and social transformation for the country, with targets to increase GDP by 60% and lift 2.5 million Chadians out of poverty, establishing Chad as a development model in Africa. This is a five-year plan aiming to mobilize $30 billion to finance 268 ambitious projects across all vital sectors.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi
Finalization of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the UAE and Chad to be announced in the coming weeks.
Non-oil trade expected to rise to $1.9 billion by 2024.