UAE and Canada Conclude CEPA Negotiations
The United Arab Emirates and Canada have announced the successful conclusion of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA. Once the agreement enters into force, it is expected to reduce customs tariffs, remove bureaucratic barriers, and expand market access for businesses in both countries.
The conclusion of the negotiations was announced during UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi’s visit to Canada. Al Zeyoudi was accompanied by a delegation of Emirati officials and business leaders. The announcement was made jointly with Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu.
Fastest Negotiation in the CEPA Programme
The UAE-Canada CEPA negotiations became the fastest agreement completed by the UAE since the programme was launched in September 2021. Canada also stated that the talks, which began last month, were the fastest trade agreement negotiations ever completed by the country.
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately US$4.2 billion in 2025, representing a 21 percent increase compared with the previous year. Following ratification and entry into force, the agreement is expected to increase this volume and accelerate private-sector cooperation.
New Market Access for E-Commerce and Technology Companies
The CEPA is expected to create new trade and investment opportunities in areas including clean energy, advanced technology, data centres, aviation, agri-food, seafood, and critical minerals. The agreement is also projected to facilitate billions of dollars in trade flows into projects involving ports, mines, LNG facilities, and data centres.
Lower tariffs and simplified administrative procedures are also expected to support the cross-border operations of e-commerce and retail companies. For technology businesses, data centres, digital infrastructure, and advanced technology investments stand out as key areas under the agreement.
“We Are Opening New Horizons for the Business Community”
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the agreement reflects the depth of the strategic relationship between the two countries and their shared determination to build a stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable economic partnership. He added that the CEPA would open new opportunities for business communities in both countries and expand investment and cooperation across priority sectors.
Maninder Sidhu said the agreement would allow Canadian companies to use the UAE as a regional commercial hub to grow their exports. He also stated that the CEPA would encourage investment from the UAE in projects supporting Canada’s long-term economic goals.
The new agreement will complement the existing Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between the two countries. Since the launch of its CEPA programme in September 2021, the UAE has secured agreements with 38 countries.