CEPA to Boost Indian Trade, Industry and Aviation: Lulu Group Founder at WEF 2026
Davos, Switzerland | January 22, 2026
Lulu Group founder and chairman Yusuf Ali on Wednesday said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the UAE will significantly boost Indian trade and benefit multiple sectors, including industry, agriculture, and aviation.
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Ali said the agreement allows Indian products to enter partner countries duty-free, creating new and effective trading opportunities for India globally.
“Under CEPA signed with the UAE and other countries, all Indian products can now enter duty-free and vice versa. This will benefit Indian trade, industries, agriculture, and the aviation sector,” he said.
Ali also expressed strong optimism about investing further in India, highlighting meetings with several Indian state leaders at the summit. He described Indian states as increasingly investor-friendly and supportive of pro-investment policies.
“I met the Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister, the Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister, and other leaders here. All of them are very supportive of investment. We will invest in India. I don’t believe in MoUs; I believe in agreements. We will sign agreements in India itself,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding local businesses, Ali said domestic industries must have confidence in national leadership to ensure balanced growth. “We have to protect domestic industries. Our thoughtful leaders will decide accordingly,” he added.
Earlier, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said international investors at the Davos summit are increasingly viewing India as a “bright spot” in the global economy.
“India is being seen today as a trusted value-chain partner across the world. In a turbulent global environment marked by uncertainty, India stands out as a stable, vibrant democracy with sustainable economic growth,” Vaishnaw said.
Addressing a session titled ‘Bet on India – Bank on the Future’, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with EY, the minister projected strong growth prospects for the country over the next five years.
“India will continue to grow at 6 to 8 per cent in real terms and 10 to 13 per cent in nominal terms, supported by moderate inflation and strong economic fundamentals,” he said, adding that ongoing reforms and ease-of-doing-business initiatives are strengthening investor confidence. (ANI)
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