Ecuador and UAE Forge Strategic Ties at First Economic and Investment Forum in Quito
Quito, June 21, 2025
In a landmark move to deepen bilateral cooperation, the Republic of Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates have initiated a new phase of strategic dialogue through the inauguration of the First Ecuador–UAE Economic and Investment Forum, held in Quito on June 21. The event sets the stage for long-term collaboration in sectors such as production, innovation, trade, and strategic development.
Leading up to the forum’s official launch, senior representatives from both governments engaged in a high-level meeting to define the roadmap for a robust and forward-looking partnership. Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld, representing Ecuador, held talks with H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Discussions were centered around mutual interests and emerging opportunities in energy, technology, trade, and strategic cooperation.
As part of the diplomatic exchange, Ecuador extended a warm cultural welcome to the Emirati delegation with an exclusive tasting of Ecuadorian products, celebrating the rich culinary diversity and agricultural wealth of the country. Delegates also visited dedicated exhibition stands highlighting Ecuador’s productive and cultural potential, designed to attract foreign direct investment and spotlight national industries.
The forum brought together a cadre of major Emirati companies, underlining the UAE’s significant interest in Ecuador’s emerging markets. Participating entities included:
- Etihad Airways
- Emirates Airline
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- EDGE Group
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Al Dahra Group
- Al Bakrawe
- Mirak
- G42 Presight
- Dubai Chambers of Commerce
During the forum’s plenary session, Minister of Energy and Mines Inés Manzano laid out the country’s expansive investment agenda across the electricity, hydrocarbons, and mining sectors. She emphasized Ecuador’s commitment to transparency in its resource management, highlighting the critical role of the National Mining Company (ENAMI) in overseeing strategic concessions through competitive auctions and framework agreements.
In a major announcement, Minister Manzano unveiled two upcoming solar energy megaprojects which aim to significantly enhance the nation’s renewable energy capacity:
- The Pujilí Solar Plant with a capacity of 490 MW
- The Pablo Arenas Solar Plant with a capacity of 452 MW
Combined, these projects are expected to prevent the emission of more than 700 tons of CO₂ annually, placing Ecuador on a cleaner, more sustainable energy trajectory.
She also highlighted the exploration potential of 11 offshore oil blocks, as well as modernization plans for the country’s key refining facilities: Esmeraldas, Shushufindi, and La Libertad. These initiatives reflect Ecuador’s dual focus on resource optimization and environmental responsibility.
This forum marks a defining moment in Ecuador-UAE relations, following significant bilateral activity in recent months—including Foreign Minister Sommerfeld’s official visit to the UAE in December 2024, and President Daniel Noboa’s Gulf tour in May 2025. These engagements have culminated in the implementation of 28 bilateral agreements across sectors such as trade, energy, security, mining, agriculture, housing, healthcare, and technology.
Through this forum, the UAE reaffirms its role as a preferred strategic partner for Ecuador and a key gateway to expanded cooperation in the Gulf region. The event amplifies mutual interests and unlocks substantial opportunities in trade, investment, and technical exchange—setting the tone for a dynamic and collaborative future.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
