Page 589 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/7/25, 5:15 PM UAE to raise investments in Costa Rica, Mauritius as free trade deals come into force

Al-Zeyoudi explained that these CEPAs enhance connectivity to centers of growth in Central
America and Africa. They are also a catalyst for deeper economic collaboration, unlocking a range
of opportunities for the UAE’s private sector and driving forward the nations’ shared goals, from
enhancing food security to accelerating clean energy adoption.

Read| The CEPA program: How the UAE plans to raise non-oil foreign trade to $1.09 trillion
by 2031

UAE targets AED4 trillion in foreign trade

As the UAE seeks to increase its foreign trade to AED4 trillion, it currently has twelve other CEPAs
signed and awaiting ratification with markets around the world, consolidating its status as a trade
facilitator and global gateway for goods and services. In addition, negotiations on six more
agreements have been finalized, and the signing is expected soon.

Al Zeyoudi highlighted the program’s contribution to record non-oil trade in 2024, which reached
an all-time high of $817 billion, marking a 14.6 percent increase over 2023.

In 2025 alone, the UAE signed five new CEPAs with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine and
the Central African Republic. These agreements significantly expand the country’s global trade
network and create new opportunities for the UAE’s private sector and business community across
some of the world’s most dynamic economies.

This year, the UAE’s CEPA program will continue to broaden the UAE’s trade and investment
partnerships, strengthening the country’s role as a hub for open and multilateral global trade. The
UAE is currently in the final stages of CEPA negotiations with several major economies—most
notably Japan—with talks expected to conclude before the end of 2025.

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