Abu dhabi: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, announced that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) negotiations between the United Arab Emirates and both Japan and the European Union have progressed to advanced stages. This development is expected to pave the way for enhanced trade and investment relations, fortifying economic ties and development partnerships.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the UAE is actively engaged in CEPA negotiations with several major economies globally. Notably, discussions with Japan and the European Union have made substantial strides, with the second round of talks slated for the second week of next December. Furthermore, negotiations with Nigeria and the Mercosur bloc in Latin America are also progressing, with hopes for completion in the coming weeks.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the UAE's record-breaking growth in non-oil foreign trade, revealing that during the first nine months of 2025, the total non-oil trade surpassed AED 2.67 trillion, a 24.6% growth compared to the same period last year. The non-oil trade figures for the third quarter of this year neared AED 1 trillion for the first time in UAE's history.
The minister noted that non-oil exports experienced over 42% growth in the first nine months of this year, with imports rising by 23% and re-exports by 15%. This growth underscores the UAE's commitment to diversifying its foreign trade structure. Key commodities such as gold, diamonds, precious metals, aluminum, copper, and perfumes played a significant role in enhancing the UAE's global trade footprint.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to diversifying its trade partners and engaging in comprehensive economic partnership agreements that offer mutual benefits. The agreements in place for more than a year have delivered positive outcomes, with trade increases of 19.4% with India, 16.6% with Trkiye, 5.2% with Indonesia, 45% with Cambodia, and over 100% with Costa Rica during the first nine months of 2025.
He also referenced recent World Trade Organisation estimates indicating that global trade growth is expected to reach 2.4% by the end of this year. The UAE has significantly outpaced these figures, demonstrating the effectiveness of its economic and trade strategies, which have established it as a global hub for exports, re-exports, industry, and investment.