Abu Dhabi conglomerate IHC and the United States’ global investment arm, the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, have signed a deal to jointly invest in the emerging and frontier markets.

The landmark deal, seen as a major move to advance President Donald Trump’s foreign policy agenda and at the same time boost the UAE-US bilateral ties, seeks to deploy capital "at scale" to fund massive global projects together and operate assets in key markets.

Targeted for investments are critical minerals, energy, logistics, healthcare, food security and information, communication and technology (ICT).

The two entities will work together to identify, underwrite and execute investments. They are expected to work on initiatives in markets outside the US, including projects that align with major global trade and connectivity corridors. 

"Our goal is to jointly deploy capital quickly and strategically for the benefit of the UAE and the United States," said Conor Coleman, DFC Head of Investments.

"DFC’s work with IHC is a crucial step in executing President Trump’s foreign policy vision and deepens the US-UAE bilateral relationship," said Ben Black, DFC CEO.

Through the partnership, the IHC and DFC will deliver "transformational investments" across major industries, according to Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC.

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria) seban.scaria@lseg.com