Expansion of UAE's CEPA Program as Trade Network Widens with 26 Significant Contracts Globally
UAE Strengthens Economic Ties with Major Economies Through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been actively pursuing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with various countries, aiming to deepen economic ties, promote sustainable development, and diversify its economy beyond oil dependence.
UAE-Japan CEPA in Progress
As of August 2025, the UAE and Japan are actively negotiating a CEPA. The fourth round of negotiations, held from August 4 to 8, 2025, focused on trade in goods and services, competition policy, intellectual property, customs procedures, and sustainable development. The UAE aims to complete the CEPA with Japan by the end of 2025. The expected outcomes include enhanced trade facilitation, stronger cooperation in innovation, logistics, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship, and reinforcement of strategic energy ties.
UAE-South Korea FTA Signed
In a significant move, the UAE signed a free trade agreement with South Korea in December 2023. Under this agreement, South Korea will eliminate tariffs on about 90% of items traded with the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Gulf countries, including the UAE, will remove tariffs on over 75% of traded items. This agreement has strengthened South Korea's economic presence in the UAE, particularly in key sectors like nuclear power, renewable energy, and digitalization.
CEPAs with Other Major Economies
In 2025, the UAE signed five new CEPAs with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine, and the Central African Republic. While the details of these agreements are not explicitly detailed, they likely focus on trade facilitation, technology, and sustainable development, following the general trend set by the UAE's CEPA programme.
Benefiting Sectors
The CEPA programme benefits various sectors, including logistics, clean energy, advanced technology, financial services, agriculture, and sustainable food systems. The UAE has signed fourteen CEPAs that are undergoing technical and ratification procedures.
Accelerated Foreign Trade Performance
The CEPA programme has been instrumental in enhancing the UAE's foreign trade performance. By the end of Q1 2025, the UAE signed 26 CEPAs. The UAE's exports to India surged 75% by the end of 2024, and UAE-India non-oil trade grew by 20.5%. The CEPA programme is driving sustained economic growth for the UAE and broadening its trade partnerships.
Georgia and Indonesia Trade Growth
Georgia saw a remarkable 56% increase in trade with the UAE by the end of 2024, while Indonesia recorded growth exceeding 15% in trade with the UAE by the same year. These CEPA agreements expand the UAE's trade and investment footprint in dynamic global economies.
CEPA Negotiations and Ratifications
Six CEPAs signed by the UAE have officially come into effect. Negotiations for six additional CEPAs have been finalized, with signings expected soon. The UAE is in the final stages of CEPA negotiations with Japan.
Ambitious Economic Goals
These CEPA agreements support the "We the UAE 2031" agenda, targeting AED4 trillion in total non-oil foreign trade and AED800 billion in non-oil exports by 2031. The UAE's position as a leading global trade powerhouse is reinforced by the CEPA programme.
In summary, the UAE's CEPA programme is a strategic move to deepen economic ties with major economies, promote sustainable development, and leverage innovation and energy partnerships to diversify its economy beyond oil dependence. The programme is driving sustained economic growth, expanding the UAE's trade and investment footprint, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading global trade powerhouse.
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