Marrakech: Saeed Rashid Al Abdi, a member of the Federal National Council (FNC), engaged in discussions at the 4th Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Region, organized by the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco.

According to Emirates News Agency, Al Abdi participated in a session titled 'Global Challenges to Economic Integration, Free Trade, and Public Debt.' He remarked that free trade is experiencing a decline due to protectionist policies, increased restrictions, customs tariffs, and the use of economic tools for political purposes. Al Abdi also pointed out that regional tensions and disruptions in maritime routes have led to increased costs in transportation, energy, and insurance, thereby affecting trade and investment flows negatively.

Al Abdi highlighted that the problem lies not in the lack of agreements but in the erosion of trust and stability. He mentioned a tendency among some countries to prioritize domestic market protection over economic openness and international integration. He emphasized the UAE's stance that free trade is crucial for a sustainable regional integration framework and noted the UAE's role as a leading model in trade liberalization and expansion, with its foreign trade projected to reach approximately AED3.8 trillion by 2025.

He also stated that any threats to regional security, maritime routes, freedom of trade, and energy supplies could directly impact the global economy and sustainable development. The UAE opposes actions that threaten regional security and stability or disrupt international trade, due to their severe implications on supply chains, energy markets, and investor confidence.

Al Abdi concluded by underscoring that ensuring regional stability is an economic and developmental necessity that affects the interests of people and the future of sustainable development.