UAE Expands Global Trade With 5 New CEPA Deals, 26 Agreements In 2025

The UAE had signed 26 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with key countries and international groups, strengthening its regional and global economic position.

The CEPA program, launched in September 2021, continues to expand in 2025 with five new agreements signed with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine, and the Central African Republic.

These deals further enhance the UAE's global trade network and create new opportunities for businesses and the private sector in fast-growing economies, WAM reported.

Six of the UAE's CEPA agreements are now in effect, while 14 more have been signed and are undergoing technical and legal processes before implementation. Negotiations for six additional agreements have been completed, with official signings expected soon.

UAE Strengthens Global Trade Ties as CEPA Agreements Show Positive Impact

In 2025, the CEPA program continues to expand the UAE's trade and investment ties, reinforcing its position as a global trade hub. The UAE is also close to finalizing CEPA negotiations with major economies, including Japan, with an agreement expected before the end of 2025.

This reflects both countries' commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and creating new business opportunities. The impact of the four key CEPA agreements already in effect shows positive results. By the end of 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and India grew by 20.5%, with UAE exports to India rising by 75%.

CEPA Agreements Drive Trade Growth and Support UAE's 2031 Economic Vision

Trade with Turkiye increased by over 11%, Indonesia saw growth of more than 15%, and Georgia recorded an impressive 56% rise. These results highlight the real-world benefits of CEPAs, which usually take around five years to show significant effects.

The agreements have boosted the UAE's foreign trade, helping maintain steady growth. The CEPA program has accelerated this progress, supporting the "We the UAE 2031" vision, which aims to raise the country's total non-oil foreign trade to AED 4 trillion and increase non-oil exports to AED 800 billion by 2031.

Various sectors have benefited from these agreements, especially in non-oil foreign trade and re-export services. Key industries gaining from CEPAs include logistics, clean and renewable energy, advanced technology, financial services, green industries, advanced materials, agriculture, and sustainable food systems.