CEPA Agreements Propel UAE’s Global Economic Influence

UAE, 2 April, 2025 : The UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme has strengthened the country’s global trade position, achieving 26 strategic agreements since its launch in September 2021. By the first quarter of 2025, the UAE signed five new CEPAs with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine, and the Central African Republic, further expanding its trade network.

Six agreements have officially entered into force, while 14 are undergoing ratification. Negotiations for six more have been finalised, with signing expected soon. The UAE is also in the final stages of CEPA talks with Japan, anticipated to conclude before the end of 2025, underscoring a deepening economic collaboration.

The impact of these agreements is evident. Non-oil trade between the UAE and India grew by 20.5%, with UAE exports to India surging 75% by the end of 2024. Trade with Turkiye increased by over 11%, Indonesia by more than 15%, and Georgia recorded a 56% rise.

CEPAs have played a crucial role in the UAE’s foreign trade growth, aligning with the "We the UAE 2031" vision, which aims to raise non-oil foreign trade to AED4 trillion and exports to AED800 billion by 2031. Key beneficiaries include logistics, clean energy, advanced technology, financial services, green industries, agriculture, and sustainable food systems.

The UAE’s CEPA programme continues to drive economic growth, reinforcing its position as a global trade and investment hub.