The United Arab Emirates, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), has signed a final Air Services Agreement (ASA) with the Government of India this week. The agreement was signed by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, and Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation of India. Al Suwaidi stressed the importance of the agreement, which will further boost travel and trade between the U.A.E. and India. The signed ASA allows scheduled flights in any type of service (passenger or cargo) between both states. Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said that the Civil Aviation Authority continues to explore new horizons for mutual air transport agreements to promote the U.A.E.'s local carriers and boost local economy and the tourism industry. Air service agreements go in line with the directions of the U.A.E. Government to enhance international cooperation through air transport. The U.A.E. now has air services agreements with over 164 countries, of which 122 are open skies or fully liberal arrangements.