Page 145 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2024

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Al Zeyoudi explained that the

UAE's CEPAs programme is designed to expand the country's commercial and

investment partnerships worldwide, positioning the UAE as a key gateway for non-oil

goods and services and a global hub for business and investment.

He emphasised that these agreements reflect the UAE's vision, which recognises the vital

role of free trade based on clear rules in driving sustainable economic growth and

inclusive development. The agreements' diversity and the UAE's ability to form valuable

partnerships across five continents significantly increase opportunities for various sectors

and open new markets.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi pointed out that the CEPAs have already had a positive effect on various
areas of the UAE's foreign trade, particularly non-oil trade, re-export services, logistics,

clean and renewable energy, technology, financial services, green industries, advanced

materials, agriculture, and sustainable food systems.

He explained that CEPAs continue to have a tangible and direct impact on the country's

foreign trade data, positively affecting various vital sectors, including the advanced

technology sector.

Since the programme's launch in September 2021 until early December 2024, the UAE

has concluded 24 CEPAs with countries and international blocs, covering approximately

2.5 billion people—about a quarter of the global population.

In the first half of 2024, UAE foreign trade reached a historic milestone, surpassing

AED1.395 trillion, reflecting an 11.2% growth compared to the same period in 2023. The

growth rates reached 28.8%, 54.7%, and 66%, compared to the same periods in 2022,

2021, and 2019, respectively.

https://www.wam.ae/article/14aou82-uae-expand-cepas-2025-says-thani-zeyoudi