Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates and Japan have successfully concluded negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking the first of its kind for Japan with an Arab nation. This agreement aims to bolster trade and investment relations between the two countries, paving the way for mutually beneficial economic growth.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during an official visit to Japan by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. The visit included a meeting with Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, where the final provisions of the CEPA were agreed upon.
The agreement signifies a shared commitment between the UAE and Japan to strengthen their strategic relations, focusing on trade and investment. It is expected to enhance bilateral trade and investment flows and expand private sector cooperation in sectors such as advanced technology, logistics, cybersecurity, healthcare, and education.
The CEPA is also set to create new opportunities for partnerships in research and development, innovation, smart mobility, energy security, financial services, and digital transformation. These initiatives align with the UAE's vision of building a knowledge-based economy and support the priorities under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework established in 2022.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized that the conclusion of CEPA negotiations demonstrates the leadership's vision to fortify economic ties with Japan, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership. He highlighted that the agreement would foster cooperation in advanced industries and resilient supply chains, offering greater opportunities for private sector investment and innovation.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi echoed these sentiments, noting that the CEPA with Japan, a key member of the G7, represents a significant step forward. By removing trade barriers and facilitating investment flows, the agreement is poised to unlock new opportunities for private sectors, fostering lasting partnerships that support sustainability goals and shared prosperity.
The successful conclusion of the CEPA negotiations follows a period of flourishing trade relations, with non-oil trade between the UAE and Japan reaching $20.3 billion in 2025, a 16.7 percent increase from 2024. The UAE has positioned itself as Japan's leading trading partner in the Middle East and Africa, accounting for 39 percent of Japan's total trade with these regions.
The UAE's CEPA programme, launched in September 2021, remains central to its foreign trade strategy. It has seen the UAE conclude agreements with over 35 high-growth economies, thus enhancing access to markets representing nearly a quarter of the world's population.