The UAE has concluded 37 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements to date, with 18 already in force, as the country pushes forward on multiple fronts to strengthen its position as a global trade hub, said Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.
Al Zeyoudi said negotiations are ongoing with roughly 20 additional countries, with several new agreements expected to enter into force within the next two to three months, including deals with nations in the Eurasian group. Officials are also working with the Philippine government to finalize procedures so the UAE Philippines agreement can take effect before year end.
The minister said five to seven more country negotiations are likely to conclude by the end of the year, with talks with Canada nearing completion. The UAE has also reached the final stages of negotiations with Rwanda, Ghana and Zambia, while discussions with Bangladesh and Peru continue to progress well. A seventh round of talks with the European Union has wrapped up, though Al Zeyoudi noted that process remains slower than the UAE's bilateral negotiations with other partners.
On logistics, Al Zeyoudi highlighted the resilience shown by the UAE's integrated airport, seaport and road network amid recent geopolitical disruptions, crediting national companies in port management, logistics and customs for handling a sharp rise in container traffic.
He pointed to DP World's plans to boost connectivity with east coast ports and expand its truck fleet, along with AD Ports Group's work increasing capacity on the transport corridor linking Basra with Türkiye and Syria. These projects aim to offer alternative trade routes and support expected growth in trade with Syria and Türkiye.
Further plans include port upgrades, road network improvements and progress on the Etihad Rail project to boost overall logistics capacity.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
