Trade and investment relations between the UAE and Cuba are expected to deepen following the inaugural session of the Joint Economic Committee, which convened in Dubai.

The meeting marked a significant step forward in advancing bilateral economic engagement under the framework of the trade, economic, and technical cooperation agreement signed by both nations.

Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, food security, infrastructure, transportation, logistics, cultural industries, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Non-oil trade between the two countries has been steadily increasing, reaching over $39.1 million in 2024.

The UAE's official news agency WAM reported a rise in trade during the first quarter of 2025 by 5.6 percent compared to the same period in 2024 and by over 25 percent from the fourth quarter of that year.

More than 825 Cuban brands are currently operating in the UAE market.

Attendees agreed to establish a joint framework for overseeing the committee's outcomes, ensuring the continuity of economic cooperation and shared growth.

Both sides also proposed organizing joint meetings, seminars, and workshops involving investors, promotion agencies, and financial institutions to attract investment in high-priority sectors.

Food security, agriculture, tourism, and entrepreneurship were highlighted as strategic areas for collaboration.