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3/20/25, 1:11 PM UAE, Tunisia Launch CEPA Negotiations | Pakistan Point

UAE, Tunisia Launch CEPA

Negotiations

9 hours ago

ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 19th Mar, 2025) Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister
of State for Foreign Trade, and Samir Obeid, Minister of Trade and Export Development
of Tunisia, have announced the start of negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the
two nations.

In a virtual meeting held between the two ministers and officials from their respective ministries,
both sides expressed their commitment to further expand and deepen bilateral relations. The
discussions emphasised the mutual benefits of a CEPA, which will aim to enhance trade and
investment flows by reducing tariffs and trade barriers, improving market access, and
establishing investment pathways across various sectors.

Al Zeyoudi stated, “Tunisia is a valued partner that presents a diverse range of trade and
investment opportunities that will enhance our mutual economic growth and prosperity. The start
of negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement represents a pivotal
opportunity for both the UAE and Tunisia to deepen our economic ties and unlock new avenues
for trade and investment.”

Al Zeyoudi added that the UAE stands as Tunisia's leading trade partner in the GCC region. In
2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Tunisia reached approximately US$350 million, a
growth rate of 7.7% compared to 2023. The CEPA is expected to serve as a strategic framework

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