Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Italy's national promotional institution, during the UAE-Italy Economic Forum in Rome. This forum was organised by the Italy-UAE Business Council in association with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was signed by Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and Dario Scannapieco, Chief Executive Officer of CDP. The agreement aims to enhance economic cooperation and facilitate investments in advanced industries, energy, technology, food and water security, biotechnology, logistics, and tourism. It also aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to explore new markets.
The partnership is significant as CDP plays a crucial role in supporting Italian enterprises' international expansion, while Abu Dhabi's business environment continues to attract global investors. Italy is the UAE's leading non-oil trading partner in the EU, with bilateral trade reaching AED51.8 billion (US$14.1 billion) in 2024, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Italy also showed strong performance, reaching AED25.6 billion (EUR6 billion) in the first half of 2025.
The MoU aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision to diversify its economy, strengthen the private sector, and attract high-value international investments. It supports industrial collaboration in innovation, advanced technology, and clean energy.
Shamis Al Dhaheri stated that the partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi's role as a global investment platform and gateway to regional and international markets. He expressed confidence that the MoU will drive innovation and empower companies in both countries to seize new opportunities.
Dario Scannapieco described the MoU as a significant step in expanding economic cooperation between Italy and the UAE. He believes the collaboration will strengthen Italian companies' presence in a competitive regional market and promote partnerships in industrial, technological, and renewable energy sectors.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber continues to build international partnerships that enhance its global investment appeal. Under the MoU, both parties will support the expansion of Italian and Emirati companies and improve their market access. This includes exchanging information on investment opportunities and trade policies, facilitating direct engagement, and promoting joint initiatives in priority sectors. The agreement also aims to boost the private sector's role in sustainable economic growth.