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coordinate action on pressing global challenges such as food security and climate mitigation
efforts.

In his address at the summit, HE Al Zeyoudi emphasized the UAE’s commitment to enhancing trade
ties with Asia, which is central to the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade objectives, confirming that the
continent accounts for 59% of the UAE’s total global trade, and receives 72.7% of its exports. His
Excellency also noted the upward trajectory of those numbers, with non-oil trade between the UAE
and the rest of Asia totaling US$224 billion in the first half of 2024, an increase of 31% in the last
two years.

HE Al Zeyoudi also underscored the strategic importance of the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program in boosting trade flows with the region. Of the 13 CEPAs the
UAE has successfully concluded since May 2022, 8 are with nations in Asia or the Asia-Pacific
region.

HE Al Zeyoudi stated, “In an increasingly complex global economy, the importance of collaboration
with your closest neighbors will only grow. This is particularly true with Asia, where more than 60%

https://mid-east.info/he-dr-thani-al-zeyoudi-highlights-role-of-intra-regional-collaboration-at-the-
asia-cooperation-dialogue-business-forum-in-doha/