The Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Central Africa opens new horizons for cooperation

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and Fosatan Archang Tuwadira, President of the Central African Republic today, signed the signing of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the two countries, which aims to enhance inter -trade and investment opportunities, especially in the main sectors.

The agreement was signed – during the ceremonies that took place at the Beach Palace in Abu Dhabi – by the UAE, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al -Zyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Patrick Akolosa, Minister of Trade and Industry in Central Africa.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, “We look forward to signing the comprehensive economic partnership agreement a new stage in the relations of the UAE and the Central African Republic in light of their common vision of sustainable growth and development to achieve mutual economic and societal benefits,” noting that the agreement aims to open new horizons for trade, investment and cooperation to achieve societal interests.

For his part, President Vostan Archnga Turaera welcomed the signing of the agreement, looking forward to contributing to the advancement of economic relations between the UAE and the Central African Republic and the achievement of sustainable development and economic prosperity of the two countries.

It is noteworthy that the volume of non -oil trade between the UAE and the Central African Republic amounted to about $ 252 million in 2024, with a growth of 75% compared to the previous year .. While non -oil exports from the UAE to the Central African Republic include basic consumer goods such as food products, textiles and electronics as well as machines and medicines that support vital sectors in African countries. While the Central African Republic is exported, agricultural products such as milk, cotton and cassava to the UAE, in addition to valuable metal resources such as gold, diamonds, and others.

The agreement is expected to increase the opportunities for local products to reach the markets of the two countries through the way to cancel or reduce customs duties, remove non -customs barriers in front of inter -trade and enhance investments in the main sectors, including the agricultural sector, infrastructure and technology.

As the UAE continues to expand its global commercial network, the agreement is highlighted by the state’s commitment to the Central African Republic; The importance of strengthening strategic economic relations with African countries, in recognition of the state of the growing importance of the African continent in the global economy.

Through the agreement, the two countries aim to cancel or reduce customs duties, facilitate trade and pave the way to consolidate cooperation in various sectors .. The program of comprehensive economic partnership agreements is an essential pillar to achieve the UAE’s goal of raising the total non -oil trade to $ 1.1 trillion by the year 2031. The program played an important role in improving access to fast -growing markets, and contributed significantly to increasing the total volume of trade exchange The country, which in the year 2024 reached its highest level at 816 billion dollars, an increase of 14.6% over the year 2023.

His Highness the President of the State and the President of Central Africa also witnessed during the ceremony the announcement of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries, which included areas of: protection and encouragement of investment and avoiding double tax and infrastructure in addition to mineral resources, education and others.