The UAE is set to expand its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in 2025, targeting new countries to strengthen its position as a global trade hub and enhance economic ties with international partners.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stated that these agreements aim to promote rules-based international trade, sustainable development, and increased investment while unlocking opportunities for trade in goods, services, and re-exports.
“The UAE’s CEPAs programme is designed to expand the country’s commercial and investment partnerships worldwide, positioning the UAE as a key gateway for non-oil goods and services and a global hub for business and investment,” Dr Al Zeyoudi told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The minister emphasised that the UAE’s focus on free trade is central to its strategy for sustainable economic growth and inclusive development, with CEPAs opening up new markets and driving sectoral growth across five continents.
Since the programme’s launch in 2021, the UAE has signed 24 CEPAs, covering approximately 2.5 billion people—around a quarter of the global population. These agreements have already bolstered trade in non-oil goods, clean energy, technology, financial services, green industries and sustainable food systems.
UAE foreign trade reached Dh1.395 trillion in the first half of 2024, an 11.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with even stronger growth compared to previous years. Dr Al Zeyoudi credited CEPAs for their direct impact on foreign trade and their role in advancing sectors like advanced technology and logistics.
