UAE and Thailand Conclude Cepa Negotiations to Accelerate Bilateral Trade and Investment

The UAE and Thailand have successfully wrapped up negotiations for their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aimed at eliminating trade barriers and deepening bilateral ties. Following the start of talks in 2023 and the launch of a joint business council, the Ministry of Foreign Trade announced on Thursday that both nations explored new avenues to boost trade, investment, and strategic cooperation.

Moving forward, the UAE and Thailand will complete the necessary legal and technical steps to officially sign and implement the agreement. The Cepa is projected to drive trade flows, create fresh investment prospects, and bolster private sector collaboration across critical industries such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, food security, digital trade, renewable energy, and precious metals.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, stated that concluding these negotiations reflects a mutual dedication to forging stronger economic connections between South-East Asia and the Middle East. He noted that Thailand's dynamic and diversified economy will provide new pathways for companies, investors, and entrepreneurs in both nations to access high-growth markets.

This new Cepa reinforces the robust relationship between the UAE and Thailand, evidenced by bilateral non-oil trade surging by over 75 per cent year-on-year to reach $10.2 billion in the first half of 2026, following a 65 per cent growth to $12.3 billion last year. Key UAE non-oil exports to Thailand currently comprise gold, aluminium, and other industrial goods.

Dr Al Zeyoudi emphasized that reducing trade barriers, improving market access, and encouraging investment flows will advance long-term economic goals and generate strategic opportunities. To date, the UAE has signed 38 Cepas as part of its broader foreign trade strategy to expand its non-oil economic base, broaden exports, and achieve Dh4 trillion ($1.1 trillion) in non-oil foreign trade by 2031.