Page 278 - 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 - Eye of Dubai

UAE first Arab trade partner of Republic of Congo: Thani Al Zeyoudi

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, affirmed that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the Republic of the Congo will contribute to boosting bilateral trade
between the two countries to exceed US$7.2 billion by 2032.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he said 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
https://www.eyeofdubai.ae/news/details/uae-first-arab-trade-partner-of-republic-of-congo-thani-al-zeyoudi 1/2