Page 275 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/15/25, 2:22 PM UAE first Arab trade partner of Republic of Congo: Thani Al Zeyoudi - Aletihad News Center

He told WAM that the UAE is the first Arab trade partner of the Republic of the Congo, noting that the agreement will

support the UAE’s role as a major global hub for supply chains, further consolidating its position as a trade gateway
connecting the Arab world, Europe, Asia and Africa.

He added that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the partnership between the UAE and the Republic of
the Congo has grown significantly, with the value of non-oil bilateral trade reaching $3.1 billion in 2024.

This represents a growth rate of 4.2 percent compared to 2023, while the value of the UAE’s non-oil exports reached

$86 million.

Regarding the sectors set to benefit from the CEPA, he said the agreement guarantees more preferential access for

Emirati products to the Congolese market, with 99.5 percent of customs items subject to tariff exemptions.

This will enhance the competitiveness of many UAE industries, notably aluminium, polyethylene, petrochemicals,

heavy machinery, ceramics, glass, iron, steel, and copper.

Al Zeyoudi added that the CEPA represents a strategic step to strengthen cooperation between the public and private

sectors, paving the way for new opportunities across a range of key service industries.

He highlighted the services sector as having significant potential to enhance economic cooperation between the two
countries, as it is the second-largest contributor to the Republic of the Congo’s GDP, accounting for about 33 percent.

He noted that the Congolese government is actively working to strengthen this sector as part of its economic
diversification strategy.

He further emphasised that the agreement opens new horizons for reinforcing the UAE’s ties with Sub-Saharan Africa,
a rapidly growing region that is seeking to attract strategic investments to support sustainable development.

The Republic of the Congo is among the most promising economies in the region.

At the same time, he noted that, as a global hub for supply chains, the UAE will play a pivotal role in helping
Congolese exporters expand their access to new international markets.

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