The United Arab Emirates and Thailand have concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant milestone in their growing bilateral trade relationship. The announcement was made in Bangkok during a meeting involving UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun, and UAE Ambassador to Thailand Obaid Saeed Al Dhaheri.
The CEPA is designed to deepen economic ties and facilitate increased trade and investment flows between the two countries. Negotiations, which began in May 2023 following the establishment of the UAE-Thai Business Council earlier that year, will now move toward legal and technical finalization before the agreement is formally signed and enacted.
Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Thailand has experienced substantial growth in recent years, reaching $12.3 billion in 2025, a rise of 65.2% compared to the previous year. This upward trend continued into the first half of 2026, with trade totaling $10.2 billion—up 75.4% from the same period in 2025. UAE non-oil exports to Thailand stood at $4.5 billion in 2025, primarily driven by increased shipments of gold, aluminium products, and other industrial goods. Imports from Thailand reached $7.2 billion during the same period.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the agreement represents a mutual commitment to enhancing economic connectivity between the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He noted that CEPA would reduce trade barriers, improve market access, and support investment flows, all of which align with the long-term economic goals of both nations. He also highlighted the UAE’s strategic role as a global trade hub connecting markets across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described the conclusion of negotiations as a step that would elevate economic and trade relations between the two countries, fostering cooperation and generating mutual benefits. The agreement is expected to create new business opportunities, bolster two-way investment, and enhance the competitiveness of companies from both countries in each other’s markets and beyond.
Key sectors anticipated to benefit from the CEPA include advanced manufacturing, logistics, food security, digital trade, renewable energy, and precious metals. During his visit to Thailand, Dr. Al Zeyoudi also engaged with Thai companies and institutions across various industries, focusing discussions on partnership expansion, investment development, and supply chain enhancement.
The UAE government expects the CEPA to establish a more stable and attractive business environment, opening additional opportunities for firms and consumers on both sides and supporting sustained economic growth.