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UAE and Malaysia conclude Cepa negotiations
Story by The National
• 1w • 2 min read
The UAE and Malaysia have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership
agreement (Cepa) that seeks to ease tariffs, reduce trade barriers, promote private-sector
collaboration and boost investments.
The deal reflects the “productive relations” between the UAE and Malaysia – and South-East Asia as
a whole – with the Asean country being a long-standing and trusted trade partner that, like the
Emirates, is seeking to strengthen its economic prospects through increased trade and targeted
investment, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said in a statement on
Thursday.
Malaysia ranks as the UAE’s 12th-largest Asian trading partner, and fifth among Asean countries.
Meanwhile, the UAE is Malaysia’s second-largest trade partner in the Arab world, accounting for 32
per cent of Malaysia’s trade with Arab nations. The Emirates is also the destination for 40 per cent
Malaysia’s merchandise exports to the Arab world.
“As Malaysia's first, historic Free Trade Agreement with a GCC nation, I am confident the Cepa will
enhance trade, boost investments, and deepen the Malaysia-UAE economic ties,” Tengku Zafrul
Aziz, Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, said. “We view the UAE as a strategic
hub for Malaysian exporters to access markets in the Middle East, North Africa and certain parts of
Europe.”
Malaysian exports such as electronics, machinery, jewellery, prepared food, tropical fruits, palm
oil, cocoa and rubber would immediately benefit from zero import duties when this agreement
comes into force, he added.
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