Page 292 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

5/23/25, 11:47 AM Jordan–UAE Economic Partnership Agreement Takes Effect, Ushering in New Era of Strategic Collaboration - Fana News

Jordan–UAE Economic Partnership Agreement Takes Effect, Ushering in New Era of
Strategic Collaboration

Amman/Abu Dhabi, May 14 (Petra) – Jordan and the United Arab Emirates will officially activate their
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Thursday, marking a milestone in bilateral
cooperation aimed at deepening ties across a wide spectrum of economic sectors.

The agreement, which was signed in October last year under the auspices of His Majesty King Abdullah II
and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is designed to open new avenues
for strategic collaboration, unlock investment opportunities, and promote economic integration between the
two nations.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yarub Qudah, said the agreement represents a major leap in
economic cooperation and lays the groundwork for dynamic partnerships, particularly by encouraging the
private sector to capitalize on synergies in areas such as industry and trade.

“The agreement provides a flexible and modern framework to reduce technical barriers, open markets, and
facilitate the flow of goods in a fair and non-discriminatory commercial environment,” Qudah noted in a
statement to Petra. It also establishes a joint investment council and broadens cooperation in services,
creating new channels for cross-border business and enterprise.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, highlighted the strategic
significance of the agreement, stating that the two countries aim to boost non-oil bilateral trade to over $8
billion by 2032, up from $5.6 billion in 2023.

“This agreement signals a new chapter of constructive collaboration with Jordan,” Al Zeyoudi said. “It
strengthens our economic and trade relations, builds a platform for shared growth, and expands opportunities
for long-term partnerships between our business communities.”

He emphasized the UAE’s longstanding strategic partnership with Jordan, citing a 138% increase in non-oil
trade over the past decade. The UAE is Jordan’s fifth-largest global trading partner and its leading foreign
investor, with mutual investments valued at approximately $22.5 billion.

The agreement eliminates or reduces tariffs, dismantles trade barriers, and enhances supply chain
connectivity paving the way for significant growth across sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals,
logistics, and tourism.

Al Zeyoudi noted that Jordan’s skilled workforce and strong industrial base especially in phosphate, textiles,
and pharmaceuticals complement the UAE’s capabilities in infrastructure, energy, and finance, creating a
collaborative ecosystem with global reach.

The CEPA was concluded in just three rounds of negotiations, a testament to both countries’ shared
commitment to fast-tracking mutual economic benefits.
Al Zeyoudi also underscored the agreement’s role in empowering SMEs by easing trade restrictions,
encouraging innovation, and offering platforms that engage the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The agreement is part of the UAE’s broader CEPA strategy, a cornerstone of its economic diversification
agenda. The UAE aims to double the size of its economy to $800 billion by 2030 and exceed $1.1 trillion in
non-oil trade by 2031.

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