UAE strengthens Egypt ties with CEPA negotiations

The UAE has stepped up efforts to finalise a major trade agreement with Egypt as negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) enter a critical phase.

Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, led a high-level government delegation to Cairo, where he met Hassan Al-Khatib to review progress made by technical teams and agree next steps in the talks.

Discussions focused on key chapters of the proposed agreement, including rules of origin, regulations for factories operating in free zones, trade in services and digital commerce. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating negotiations and deepening bilateral economic cooperation.

“Investing in our relationship with Egypt is crucial for both nations,” Al Zeyoudi said. “A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will open a new chapter of cooperation, unlocking greater trade and investment flows and supporting sustainable growth for our economies.”

UAE strengthens economic ties with Egypt

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Egypt reached around $8.4 billion in 2024, a 21 per cent increase year-on-year, highlighting the strength of commercial ties and Egypt’s role as one of the UAE’s leading trade partners in the Arab world.

The CEPA is expected to build on this momentum by boosting private-sector collaboration and investment across priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and renewable energy.

Through its CEPA programme, the UAE is not only expanding foreign trade but also cementing its position as a leading global trade hub.

With 31 CEPAs signed and 14 already in force, the programme reflects the UAE’s commitment to economic diversification and has played a key role in expanding access to high-growth markets.

These agreements contributed significantly to the UAE’s total trade, which reached an all-time high of $810 billion in 2024.