The United Arab Emirates has signed a total of 38 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) since launching the initiative in September 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, marking a significant expansion in the country’s global trade network. The move forms a central part of the UAE’s strategy to enhance its standing as a global hub for trade and investment, while supporting long-term economic diversification.
The Ministry highlighted that these trade agreements are designed to deepen economic integration with international partners, boosting opportunities across trade, investment, industry, and services. By strengthening commercial ties with rapidly growing markets, the agreements aim to improve market access for UAE businesses and create a more transparent and efficient regulatory environment.
These CEPAs primarily seek to reduce or eliminate customs duties, facilitate easier cross-border trade, and simplify customs procedures. They also promote private-sector investment, uphold fair trade practices, and bolster the country’s integration into global supply chains. The Ministry described the agreements as key tools for building sustainable international partnerships and reinforcing the UAE’s appeal as a destination for foreign direct investment.
In parallel with expanding its trade agreements, the UAE has made significant investments in its logistics infrastructure. Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, noted the resilience of the country’s logistics sector amid recent geopolitical challenges. This resilience is attributed to the integration of airports, seaports, and the national road network, as well as the role of leading national companies in port management, logistics services, and customs clearance.
These developments have allowed the UAE to handle increased container volumes and maintain efficient trade flows, while introducing procedural reforms that facilitate truck movement throughout the country. Notably, DP World has announced initiatives to enhance connectivity with ports along the UAE’s east coast and expand road transport capacity by increasing its truck fleet.
Meanwhile, AD Ports Group has progressed with a project to boost the capacity of the transport corridor linking Basra with Turkey and Syria, which began last year. This project is expected to improve goods movement from the UAE’s eastern regions to its main ports, strengthening overall logistics capacity and easing supply chain bottlenecks.
The Ministry emphasized that the combination of an expanded network of trade agreements and continued infrastructure development is central to the UAE’s goal of solidifying its role as a leading global hub for trade, investment, and re-export activities.