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2/26/25, 4:16 PM UAE-Ukraines CEPA Will Enter Into Force This Year | Pakistan Point

UAE-Ukraine's CEPA Will Enter Into

Force This Year

9 days ago

ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 17th Feb, 2025) Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister
of State for Foreign Trade, stated that the Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Ukraine underscores the UAE’s steadfast approach to
building developmental partnerships worldwide.

In statements to the Emirates news Agency (WAM), Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi emphasised that this
significant agreement aligns with the forward-looking vision of the UAE’s leadership, which
underscores the importance of enhancing international cooperation in trade and investment as
the best guarantee for establishing peace, stimulating growth, and promoting global prosperity.

He pointed out that upon its expected implementation in 2025, the agreement will eliminate
customs duties on 99% of Ukrainian imports of Emirati goods and 97% of Ukraine’s exports to
the UAE.

He added that the agreement aims to double the trade volume between the two countries.
Despite the ongoing war, non-oil bilateral trade reached $372.4 million in 2024, whereas in
2021, trade stood at $904.4 million, reflecting a 28.4% growth compared to 2020.

He explained that the agreement benefits both countries by expanding the UAE’s trade
partnerships, marking it as the third trade agreement signed by the UAE with a European nation.
At the same time, Ukraine is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of grains such
as wheat and barley, two critical commodities for achieving the UAE’s national food security
objectives.

He stressed that securing the flow of food supplies is a key pillar of the UAE’s Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreements. He highlighted that the agreement aims to support Ukraine’s
economic recovery efforts once peace is restored in the region and to open new markets for
Ukrainian products.
Furthermore, he noted that the agreement will create a new platform for investment partnerships
between business communities in both countries, focusing on promising sectors such as
infrastructure, heavy industries, aviation, space sciences, and information technology.

He explained that the UAE’s partnership with Ukraine aims to strengthen bilateral trade by
reducing or eliminating customs duties, removing unnecessary barriers to free trade, expanding
service exports to diverse markets, establishing a clear mechanism for resolving trade disputes,
facilitating digital trade, creating a dedicated platform for small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs) to collaborate and grow globally, and exploring opportunities for suppliers to participate
in government tenders in both countries.

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