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(CEPAs) with active economies.”

He also underlined that “The UAE has signed CEPAs with strategic partners and as part
of its long-term strategy to diversify its economic ties and develop strong international
partnerships in trading, industry, and investment, to create more opportunities for the
people of the region to achieve vital economic development.”

Economy Diversification

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stated, “The UAE
remains firm in its belief that trade is the key to long-term, sustainable growth as well as
the continued diversification of our economy. It is why we are seeking to increase the
value of our non-oil foreign trade to Dh4 trillion by 2031, almost double the Dh2.23
trillion we recorded in 2022. Our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
programme is a central component of this mission, creating a new network of trading
partners across the world that will enable us to establish new market opportunities for
our exporters, increase the flow of goods into our ports and industrial zones, create new
avenues for investment and benefit from the latest innovations and ideas from the
global economy.”

He added, “Our latest deal with Mauritius, a growth-oriented island nation strategically
located in the Indian Ocean, is another important achievement. By eliminating or
reducing tariffs, removing barriers to trade and enhancing market access, we will push
our bilateral non-oil trade beyond $500 million within five years – and boost the UAE’s
GDP by 0.96 per cent in the same period.”

‘Projects of the 50’

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, remarked. “The UAE-Mauritius Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement is a significant addition to our CEPA programme,
which was a major component of the ‘Projects of the 50’, launched in September 2021
to strengthen the UAE's position as a global trade, business and investment hub and
cement the country’s reputation as a champion of international cooperation and regional
stability.”

He added, “The agreement with Mauritius will deliver clear economic benefits to both
nations and underpin the UAE’s efforts in supporting emerging nations leverage the
advantages of the global trading system as they pursue long-term, sustainable
development. This agreement will deliver a range of economic benefits to both
countries, and we look forward to the increase in trade flows and investment projects it

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