The UAE’s recent high-level logistics coordination—led by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation in Dubai—aims to strengthen trade continuity for Ethiopia through Gulf-linked corridors. With 113 active UAE investment projects in Ethiopia valued at USD 2.9 billion and cumulative bilateral trade exceeding USD 6 billion, the partnership supports import continuity, export reliability, and seamless movement of strategic commodities. Initiatives include expanding the green corridor to Saudi Arabia, activating Fujairah and Khorfakkan ports, and piloting the Advance Cargo Information system. According to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE is committed to building a more connected, resilient, and future-ready trade ecosystem.
According to newbusinessethiopia.com, the United Arab Emirates’ latest high-level logistics coordination efforts are reinforcing trade continuity for Ethiopia—particularly for imports, exports, and the uninterrupted movement of essential goods—through Gulf-linked corridors.
Ethiopia–UAE Economic Partnership Deepens
The Ethiopia–UAE partnership has evolved into a strategic economic relationship supporting long-term supply chain resilience. Since 2018, cooperation has expanded across investment, trade, finance, technology, and climate initiatives. Key milestones include a USD 3 billion concessional loan, 17 bilateral agreements signed in 2023, and a currency swap agreement between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the UAE Central Bank in 2024. In 2023, official data showed more than 113 UAE investment projects were active in Ethiopia, valued at USD 2.9 billion, while cumulative bilateral trade exceeded USD 6 billion.
Flagship initiatives such as the “5 Million Ethiopian Coders” programme and renewable energy partnerships with Masdar further demonstrate the breadth and long-term orientation of this collaboration.
Regional Logistics Coordination Meeting in Dubai
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE, chaired a high-level coordination meeting hosted by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) in Dubai. Attendees included Abdulla bin Damithan, Chairman of PCFC; Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs; and senior executives from global shipping lines and maritime associations.
“The UAE will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting regional and international trade stability through targeted initiatives and adaptive policies that enhance supply chain performance and sustainability. The UAE stands ready to deepen its engagement with regional and international partners to build a more connected, resilient, and future-ready trade ecosystem.” — Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE
Dr. Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding trade flow continuity and strengthening regional supply chain resilience via close collaboration and forward-looking solutions. He emphasized enhancing the efficiency, agility, and responsiveness of regional supply chains—especially for essential and strategic commodities.
Strengthening Alternative Corridors & Customs Innovation
Bin Damithan highlighted progress in improving alternative trade corridors—including Fujairah and Khorfakkan ports—and strengthening regional maritime connectivity. He underscored public-private synergy as critical amid rising costs and operational complexities.
Dr. Busenad outlined key customs initiatives implemented by Dubai Customs to support trade flows, including:
- The issuance of Customs Notice No. (6), enabling transit cargo movement through the green corridor with the Sultanate of Oman
- Acceptance of undertaking letters as valid guarantees
- Workshops with traders to explain green corridor mechanisms
- Pilot rollout of the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system through shipping companies for all green corridor cargo
- Launch of a new maritime feeder service linking the region with India
Ongoing efforts also include extending the grace period for re-export cargo, developing a framework to allow more land transport companies to join secured corridors, expanding the green corridor to include Saudi Arabia, and offering multiple clearance options within the corridor.
Practitioner Implications for Global Supply Chain Professionals
For supply chain professionals managing East Africa–Gulf trade lanes, the UAE’s coordinated approach offers tangible infrastructure and procedural advantages: multimodal transport solutions (land, rail, and sea), expanded green corridor access, and harmonized customs frameworks reduce dwell times and documentation friction. With over 113 UAE investment projects in Ethiopia already active—and growing emphasis on Fujairah and Khorfakkan as alternatives to congested or geopolitically exposed hubs—the corridor provides diversification beyond traditional Red Sea chokepoints. These developments align with broader industry trends: Maersk and DP World have similarly invested in multimodal gateway development across the Horn of Africa and Gulf, while the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) underscores regional integration momentum. For practitioners, proactive engagement with UAE-based customs pilots—like ACI adoption and green corridor expansions—can yield measurable lead-time and cost benefits, especially for time-sensitive or temperature-controlled shipments moving between Ethiopia and Asia or Europe via Gulf hubs.
Source: newbusinessethiopia.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
