Officials from Belarus emphasized the importance of the newly inaugurated International Exhibition Center in the Belarusian capital, Minsk. The center was recently opened with Emirati investment support as part of the Northern Waterfront project, which aims to explore new horizons for strengthening commercial and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, accompanied by Ibrahim Salem Al Musharrakh, UAE Ambassador to Belarus, attended the inauguration of the center. During the visit, Al Zeyoudi engaged in productive discussions about non-oil trade and investment flows with Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maksim Ryzhenkov.
The visit also highlighted the growing economic partnership between the UAE and Belarus, which has witnessed significant growth in recent years.
UAE investments in Belarus grow
During the opening of the International Exhibition Center, Vladimir Kukharev, Mayor of Minsk, told WAM that the new center is one of the city’s most prominent facilities. It incorporates the latest technologies and advanced architectural standards, allowing for the hosting of events across various sectors. He also noted that this achievement is a model of investment and economic integration between the UAE and Belarus and opens the door to more joint projects serving their developmental and strategic goals.
He added that cooperation with the UAE continues to grow, supported by a flow of investments into development projects. He stressed Belarus’ commitment to implementing all agreed-upon plans without obstacles within the UAE’s initiatives, and that Minsk is dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and operation in all joint projects.
Joint Northern Waterfront project underway
The newly inaugurated International Exhibition Center is a key feature in Belarus’s Northern Waterfront development project, designed to enhance the country’s cultural and economic potential. Spanning an impressive 37,000 square meters, the center features a versatile open-air exhibition area of over 14,000 square meters, equipped to accommodate events of all sizes. Its innovative design and flexibility make it an ideal venue for a variety of business and entertainment events, from international exhibitions to national congresses and specialized forums.
The Mayor of Minsk added that work is currently underway on the joint Northern Waterfront project with the UAE, under a mutually agreed work plan. The project includes integrated sports, educational, cultural and residential facilities harmonized with the scenic nature of Minsk. It also contributes to sustainable development goals in both countries by opening broad avenues for cooperation, including in tourism.
For his part, Dmitry Pantus, chairman of the State Authority for Military Industry of Belarus and head of the Belarusian side in the UAE-Belarus Joint Committee, affirmed that the opening of the exhibition and the anticipated smart economic city project reflect the depth of interaction and strategic cooperation between the UAE and Belarus. He noted that the prospects for cooperation between the two nations are broad and promising.
UAE investments in Belarus exceed $4 billion
On the sidelines of the opening of the Minsk International Exhibition Center, Al Zeyoudi said that UAE investments in Belarus have exceeded the $4 billion mark, stressing that the UAE is among the top three largest investors in Belarus. He noted that Emirati investments cover vital sectors including defence, technology, hospitality and urban development.
Al Zeyoudi stated that the center’s opening marks the first phase of the Northern Waterfront project. “It represents the launch of an ambitious plan to build a smart economic city in Belarus, aiming to attract investments in tourism, boost the economy and modern technologies. The project reflects the growing UAE presence in international markets,” he said.
Al Zeyoudi also pointed out the growing interest from Emirati companies in investing in the food and industrial sectors, where Belarus possesses significant expertise and competitive capabilities.
“There is a focus on exploring new opportunities in the food and industrial sectors, given Belarus’s advanced production infrastructure and skilled workforce, which enhances prospects for integration in new economy sectors,” he added.
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UAE-Belarus non-oil trade surges 483 percent in 2024
During talks with Prime Minister Turchin, Al Zeyoudi highlighted the significant growth of non-oil trade between the UAE and Belarus, which surged by 483 percent from 2023 to 2024, reaching an all-time high of $3.9 billion. This substantial increase can be attributed to the UAE’s economic partnership agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which has created new avenues for collaboration and investment between the UAE and Belarus, along with the other members of the economic bloc, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.
Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering closer economic ties with Belarus, expressing optimism about the potential for increased non-oil trade flows and investment opportunities in both countries.
“The UAE is keen to explore new avenues for collaboration that will benefit both our economies. The exceptional growth in our non-oil trade relationship is a testament to the strength of our partnership, and I look forward to further enhancing these ties over the coming years,” he added.
