India is a leading trade partner: UAE Minister

KOCHI: The UAE Saturday described India as a leading trade partner, which has contributed significantly to its economic development.

India has contributed significantly to the economic development of UAE. India is our first and leading trade partner, UAE minister of Foreign Trade, Sheikha Lubna Khalid Sultan Al Qassimi said, addressing a function to mark the launch of logo of the Rs 1500 crore Lulu Shopping Mall here.

The mall is being promoted by M A Yusuffali, Managing Director of EMKE Group and an NRK in the UAE. Bilateral trade between the two countries was 48 billion USD, the minister who was the chief guest, said.

T K A Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, said a large number of Keralites are working in the UAE and other GCC countries and the state cherish this relationship, which is not confined to diplomatic channels. This relationship touches a large number of people, he said.