Page 277 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

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