Al-Zeyoudi: The economic partnership negotiations with Japan, the European Union, and Ecuador are in their final stages
Abu Dhabi, 31 January / WAM / His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, confirmed that the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade figures continue to record strong growth rates, reaching 3.8 trillion dirhams during the year 2025, achieving growth exceeding 26% compared to the global rate of international trade of about 7%, according to data from international organizations.
His Excellency said in statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that these results reflect the success of the directives of the wise leadership, the approach based on economic diversification, and the continued expansion of concluding comprehensive economic partnership agreements, in a way that enhances the UAE’s position as a global center for trade and business.
Al-Zeyoudi added that the UAE’s non-oil exports recorded a remarkable growth of more than 45%, exceeding the country’s targets for the year 2031 to reach 813 billion dirhams, stressing that various indicators indicate that the path of non-oil foreign trade is moving in the right direction in light of the keenness to ensure the smooth flow of supply chains and enhance their flexibility.
His Excellency explained that the countries of the comprehensive economic partnership agreements had a pivotal role in this growth, as trade with India increased by more than 15%, Turkey by more than 15%, Chile by 85%, Jordan by more than 37%, Australia by about 37%, Malaysia by 22%, and Indonesia by 12%, which reflects the practical success of these agreements in achieving their economic and trade goals.
His Excellency Dr. Thani Al-Zeyoudi indicated that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan has reached its final stages in preparation for its official signing, in addition to achieving tangible progress in the negotiations with Ecuador, pointing out that the negotiations with the European Union are progressing positively with expectations of their near completion, especially in light of the progress achieved between India and the European Union regarding the outstanding issues.
His Excellency stressed that the UAE will continue to work to expand its network of trade partnerships with a number of countries in the world, especially in the continents of Asia and Africa, in a way that supports the goals of sustainable development and enhances the competitiveness of the national economy.
It is noteworthy that the UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements Program aims to expand the network of the country’s trade and investment partners around the world, which strengthens the UAE’s position as a gateway to facilitating trade flows of non-oil goods and services across the world and an international center for business and investment.
These agreements also reflect the vision of the country, which recognizes the importance of rules-based free trade in achieving sustainable economic growth and comprehensive development. Its diversity and ability to sign qualitative partnerships with vital economies on five continents multiplies opportunities and opens wider spaces around the world and in its markets for the UAE’s economic sectors.
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