The United Arab Emirates and Ecuador have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that officials say will significantly strengthen bilateral trade, boost investment flows and expand access to global markets.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, described the agreement as a strategic milestone aligned with sustainable development goals and deeper global integration. He said non oil trade between the two countries reached $373.6 million in 2025, up 3.2 percent from 2024 and more than triple its 2019 level.
The UAE is now Ecuador’s largest trading partner across the Arab world and Africa, accounting for about 30 percent of Ecuador’s total trade with those regions combined.
Alongside the CEPA, both sides signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement designed to create a transparent and stable environment for foreign direct investment. The framework reduces risk, protects intellectual property rights and establishes clear dispute resolution mechanisms.
The agreement will eliminate or reduce customs duties on more than 96 percent of traded goods, improving market access and reinforcing supply chains. It also establishes a trade and investment corridor linking the UAE with Latin American markets, while leveraging the UAE’s position as a global trade hub to support Ecuadorian companies expanding into Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted strong complementarities in sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, technology, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, tourism and hospitality. Existing logistics cooperation, he said, provides a solid base for further growth under the new framework.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
