Page 261 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

5/23/25, 11:45 AM New era unfolds between UAE, Jordan economic cooperation
agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs and remove trade barriers, enhancing market access and
strengthening regional and global supply chains.

Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stated, “This agreement
signifies a new era of collaboration, enhancing our economic ties and creating a framework for
shared growth and prosperity. Jordan has long been a valued partner for the UAE, and through this
CEPA, we are poised to unlock numerous opportunities that will benefit both nations.” Jordan has
been a vital partner for the UAE for many years, with bilateral non-oil trade experiencing tremendous
growth over the last decade, increasing by 138 per cent. The UAE is Jordan’s fifth-largest trading
partner globally, while the UAE remains the largest foreign investor in Jordan, with mutual
investments estimated at approximately $22.5 billion.

The CEPA is expected to create significant opportunities across various sectors, including renewable
energy, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and tourism. Jordan’s highly-skilled workforce and strong
industrial base, particularly in the production of phosphates, textiles, and pharmaceuticals,
complements the UAE’s expertise in energy, infrastructure, and finance, fostering a collaborative
environment that enhances the global reach of both nations.

The agreement was finalized following three rounds of negotiations, highlighting the shared
commitment of both countries to quickly realise the benefits of the new agreement. The CEPA will
also support SMEs by reducing trade restrictions and offering platforms for collaboration that will
empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators and ensure that the economic benefits

are widely shared.

The CEPA programme is a vital element of the UAE’s economic growth strategy, highlighting its

commitment to establishing strong global trade partnerships. The UAE aims to double its economy to
$800 billion by 2030 and achieve over US$1.1 trillion in total non-oil trade value by 2031.

The programme significantly contributed to the UAE’s record non-oil trade of US$816 billion in 2024,

reflecting a 14.6 per cent increase from 2023. With 27 concluded agreements, the CEPA programme
expands access for UAE businesses to over a quarter of the world’s population.

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) engaged in high-level
discussions with a diplomatic and economic delegation from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the
beginning of this year to explore new avenues for trade and investment cooperation.

The discussions focused on enhancing private sector communication, increasing investments, and
exploring opportunities through organising business forums and networking events that bring together
top entrepreneurs from both sides. These efforts are expected to forge new partnerships, strengthen
economic ties, and boost trade exchange between the two countries.

The discussions took place during a meeting, at SCCI’s headquarters, between Abdallah Sultan Al
Owais, Chairman of SCCI, and Asem Mohamed Ababneh, Consul General of the Hashemite

https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2025/05/14/new-era-unfolds-between-uae-jordan-economic-cooperation 2/5