A Historic Event in Bilateral Ties
The First Ecuador–United Arab Emirates Economic and Investment Forum was held in Quito on Saturday, June 21, 2025, marking a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Beyond the celebration of a strong alliance, the forum was a crucial event to find common ground and begin negotiations towards a free trade agreement between the two countries.
Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Tourism presented a broad array of projects covering several economic sectors, such as energy, mining, hydrocarbons, free zones, education, technology, telecommunications, and social housing. Ecuadorian officials described the meeting as a historic event for the country’s international relations and as a sign of Ecuador’s active search for partnerships abroad.
Quick Diplomatic Outreach Yields Immediate Results
The economic and investment forum occurred just 45 days after the visit of the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, to the UAE accompanied by a delegation of ministers. The swift move showed the eagerness of both countries to explore the various cooperation possibilities between them. The minister of Telecommunications, Roberto Kury, mentioned that in this meeting, “What better proof of a common willingness to work together than them being here with us in such a short time, all aligned with a common vision of the country.”
This rapid transition from the outreach stage to the work stage reflects the urgency of collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador. Kury stressed the importance of combining political intention with business implementation, especially in those sectors that generate jobs, transfer technology, and develop the country’s infrastructure.
Quick Results and a Strategic Partnership
Emirati Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, attended the forum as the head of the UAE delegation. His presence at the meeting represented the strategic focus of the United Arab Emirates in those economic sectors in which Ecuador has shown its ability and potential.
“All members of the delegation were very eager to see what we could accomplish. We saw the potential, the warmth of the people and cultures, and all the things we could do together,” Al Olama said. The minister added that “We met leaders with a vision to work for future generations, companies willing to invest, and a real willingness to do business together.”
Partnerships Beyond Commercial Interests
Emirati Minister Al Olama said the focus of cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador should not be solely focused on short-term commercial interests, but on building together. “We met with leaders who want to build for future generations, companies willing to invest, and a real willingness to do business together,” he added.
In addition, he praised Ecuador for being open to working with a long-term vision. “It’s very difficult to find a country, a government, and a people rising together. We will be coming here very often and are looking forward to seeing more of Ecuador and strengthening our relationship with the United Arab Emirates,” he concluded.
Business Discussions by Sector to Establish Clear Roadmaps
One of the key aspects of the forum was the business sessions held between the members of the Cabinet of Ecuador and Emirati officials and businesspeople, with whom they shared different sectors of mutual interest. These working sessions allowed the ministers of both countries to hold direct conversations to identify the opportunities for investment and the structural framework to support such investments.
Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld led the Ecuadorian delegation in these business meetings, in which she prioritized trade, innovation, and production. “This is not only an investment of money but an investment in establishing strategic partnerships,” Sommerfeld said.
One of the major focuses of the meeting was innovation and digital transformation, a sector in which the United Arab Emirates has achieved global leadership and Ecuador is actively working to create capacity. This is an area of great potential for technology exchange, policy alignment, and training, all of which can strengthen Ecuador’s efforts to modernize its economy.
Minister of Energy and Mining, Inés Manzano, presented a broad range of projects in the energy and mining sector to showcase to Emirati investors. She discussed the great potential that Ecuador has in terms of renewable energy, which led her to present two world-class solar photovoltaic projects. “These solar plants will prevent the emission of more than 700 tons of CO₂ annually, which will help Ecuador meet its climate commitments and open the door to green investment,” Manzano said.
The Minister of Energy and Mining also spoke about Ecuador’s hydrocarbon resources, which include onshore and offshore fields, and offshore blocks for exploration and production, and three modern refineries located in Esmeraldas, Shushufindi and La Libertad. “These projects will increase Ecuador’s production of fuels and reduce its dependency on imported fuels and will enable it to produce fuel for itself and make it self-sufficient,” Manzano explained.
Ecuador is now offering eleven offshore blocks for exploration and production, and the government is looking for investors to update its three main refineries, the only three in the country, to increase domestic fuel production, reduce imports, and become more self-sufficient in terms of fuel.
Mineral wealth opens doors for Emirati investment
The United Arab Emirates’ interest in strategic minerals fits perfectly with Ecuador’s plan to develop its mining sector with the help of foreign capital. Deputy Ministers of Electricity and Mines, Fabián Calero and Javier Subía, met with Emirati Ambassador Ibrahim Alalawi to explain the investment opportunities that Ecuador offers in the mining sector.
Ecuador is increasingly becoming a frontier market in responsible mining, with considerable reserves of copper, gold, and silver, which could provide the UAE with the minerals needed for the manufacture of new technologies and clean energy systems.
The meeting also considered how the Emirati investment could help to develop infrastructure for the generation of renewable energy, thus strengthening both countries’ efforts to promote sustainable growth.
Investment Opportunities in Telecommunications
Ecuador’s minister of Telecommunications, Roberto Kury, expressed the country’s need for alliances between companies and funding channels to provide infrastructure for 5G networks, data centers, and cloud services. The United Arab Emirates, with its world-class infrastructure, can help Ecuador overcome its digital divide.
Cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador could also involve public-private partnerships to expand broadband, literacy programs, and the development of remote work ecosystems. Both countries could advance together in Ecuador’s position as a technology hub for the region, with skilled human capital and regulation favorable to innovation.
The Push for a Free Trade Agreement
One of the recurrent topics during the forum was the establishment of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador. Negotiations are still in the early stages, but both parties are eager to establish formal trade relations through an agreement that facilitates the flow of goods, services, investment, and regulatory cooperation.
Such an agreement would provide Ecuador with new markets for its products, processed foods, and manufactured goods. At the same time, Emirati companies would gain access to a growing South American economy with the advantage of proximity to the Pacific and Atlantic trade routes.
Such an agreement would open the door to further involvement in other sectors such as aviation, logistics, fintech, and tourism. Ecuador’s strategic location and dollarized currency make it an attractive gateway to Latin America.
Economic and investment partnership for long-term development
The United Arab Emirates and Ecuador have a shared vision of developing a strategic partnership between the two countries based on respect, economic development, and a shared commitment to sustainable development. The inaugural forum laid the groundwork for further exchanges and visits that will continue and deepen the alliance between the two countries.
For Ecuador, the relationship with the United Arab Emirates is an opportunity to diversify its economy, attract responsible foreign investment, and modernize the country, especially with a focus on renewable energy and digital transformation. For the United Arab Emirates, Ecuador offers untapped potential in the form of natural resources, strategic location, and a receptive investment climate.
As both countries take a giant leap toward finalizing agreements and setting up joint ventures, the results of this forum will have long-lasting effects and will mark the start of a long-term, transformative partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador.