Page 632 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2024

10/18/24, 9:45 AM CEPA with Jordan strategic leap for trade, investment, say UAE officials
promising partner in areas such as energy, manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, and real estate."

He highlighted that mutual investments between the two countries have exceeded US$22.5 billion,
reflecting the deep economic, cultural, and social ties that bind Jordan and the UAE.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, explained
that the agreement opens doors for strategic investments and joint projects that can support sustainable

agriculture, enhance food production, improve land use, and optimise resource consumption. “It also
allows us to create vital value chains that provide more consistent benefits for producers and ensure
their products reach new markets across Asia through the UAE's global logistics hubs.”

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, affirmed that Jordan is a key

regional trade partner for the UAE, adding that in 2023, non-oil trade between the two countries
exceeded US$4.1 billion, marking a 46.1 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, noted, "This agreement enhances bilateral economic
cooperation and provides new investment opportunities in energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and
transportation."

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, stated that CEPA will align the efforts of both nations to achieve
sustainable growth and comprehensive development, contributing to greater political and economic
stability in the region. He expressed optimism about exploring new trade and investment opportunities
that will bring long-term benefits to both countries and the broader Arab world.

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, said that the CEPA offers new
opportunities for financial cooperation, further facilitating the bilateral flow of goods, services and
investments, solidifying the UAE’s position as a global hub for business and innovation.

Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Director-General of Customs at the Federal Authority for Identity,
Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, said that the agreement will facilitate increased bilateral trade

flows by reducing tariffs, removing trade barriers, and aligning customs procedures, including re-
exports, which will boost productivity across all industrial sectors.

“The agreement also supports the national vision to expand foreign trade, contributing to the goal of
doubling the size of the UAE's economy by 2031.”

Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai, highlighted, "The

agreement allows Jordanian businesses to tap into global markets through the UAE's advanced
infrastructure, while expanding investment opportunities in sectors like tourism and healthcare in
Jordan,and supporting the development of vital regional supply chains."

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