The UAE and Tunisia have officially commenced negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance trade and investment flows between the two nations.
In a virtual meeting, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Samir Obeid, Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic cooperation. The proposed CEPA aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance market access, and establish strategic investment pathways across key sectors, fostering economic integration.
Al Zeyoudi highlighted Tunisia’s economic potential and emphasized that the UAE is Tunisia’s leading trade partner in the GCC. Non-oil trade between the two nations reached US$350 million in 2024, reflecting a 7.7% growth from the previous year. He described the CEPA as a pivotal step toward unlocking new trade and investment opportunities.
Obeid echoed this sentiment, stating that the agreement would provide a comprehensive framework for cooperation, driving mutual growth and benefiting priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
The UAE and Tunisia will now negotiate specific CEPA provisions, aiming for a balanced and mutually beneficial deal. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategy to expand global trade partnerships, contributing to its record US$816 billion total trade in 2024, a 14.6% increase from 2023.
With the potential to boost foreign investment and expand market access, the CEPA is set to strengthen UAE-Tunisia economic ties, fostering long-term prosperity for both nations.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
