Ministers and officials: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo enhances trade and investment in the heart of Africa
Dubai, February 3, 2017 (WAM) – Ministers and officials of the UAE government confirmed that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo reflects the country’s commitment to expanding its international economic partnerships and enhancing its trade and investment presence on the African continent, in a way that supports sustainable development and enhances the interconnection of emerging economies with global markets.
They stressed that the agreement aims to expand the horizons of cooperation in vital sectors including trade, industry, energy, agriculture and infrastructure, in addition to supporting innovation, developing supply chains and enhancing investment flows, within the program of comprehensive economic partnership agreements implemented by the UAE to consolidate its position as a global platform for trade and investment.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Hadi Al Husseini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said: “Signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo constitutes an important step in the UAE’s strategic vision to diversify and grow the economy. The agreement will contribute to enhancing investment flows and improving access to markets, enhancing the readiness of the two countries to achieve mutual benefit. By strengthening financial ties and reducing barriers to trade, we are establishing paths for broader economic cooperation. The agreement also demonstrates our commitment to building a flexible and diversified economy capable of adapting to challenges. “global”.
His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo opens new paths for cooperation in energy and infrastructure development. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, rich in natural resources, offers tremendous opportunities for investment in renewable energy, logistics services and basic infrastructure projects. The agreement facilitates mutual investment flows and focuses on transparency and financial protection, ensuring confidence for our investors. By benefiting from the experiences of the UAE and the strategic location of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a gateway To Central Africa, we can jointly address critical infrastructure needs, support sustainable energy initiatives, and together we can build resilient economies that contribute to energy interconnectedness around the world.”
His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, stressed: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is of great importance as it is in line with the vision of the wise leadership to extend bridges of cooperation with the international community and build qualitative partnerships that contribute to enhancing industrial productivity and supporting sustainable economic growth. This agreement is an important step towards enhancing industrial and technological cooperation between the two countries, and represents a valuable opportunity to establish a vital platform for industrial and technological cooperation.”
He added: The Democratic Republic of the Congo has distinct potential for growth as one of the leading economies in Africa and a country rich in natural resources. This agreement contributes to facilitating our access to a major market in Central Africa, and is also in line with the UAE’s vision to strengthen global supply chains, increase investments and create new opportunities for companies in the two countries, especially in the fields of advanced manufacturing and energy technology.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, stressed: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an important step forward towards deepening our rapidly growing trade relations with the African continent. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with its natural resources and its strategic location as a gateway to Central Africa, offers tremendous potential to expand mutual trade and investments. Our trade relations are currently flourishing, as non-oil trade between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached $2.9 billion in 2025, an increase A rate of 16.1% compared to 2024. While our non-oil exports amounted to $118.4 million, with an annual growth of 33.8%. The UAE is a major partner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in various sectors. The agreement builds on our existing strong relations to improve access to markets, reduce trade barriers, and enhance cooperation in high-growth areas, including mining, agriculture, and energy, and by simplifying supply chains and promoting innovation. The agreement is in line with the UAE’s vision to raise the value of foreign trade to 4 trillion dirham by 2031 and enhancing our role as a global platform for trade. We look forward with optimism to the opportunities that this partnership will unleash in the two countries and the common prosperity it heralds.”
His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Community Protection, said: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirms our commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support the health of communities and achieve sustainable development. The agreement provides an important framework for expanding cooperation in vital areas including health care, drug security, and medical supply chains, which contributes to enhancing the readiness of health systems and raising their efficiency.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with its human potential, natural resources and strategic location in Central Africa, represents a promising partner for developing joint initiatives in the areas of preventive health, medical industries and sustainable health services. By deepening this cooperation, we will open new horizons for investment and consolidate the exchange of experiences and knowledge, which will enhance the ability of the two countries to confront health challenges, support quality of life, and serve the long-term development goals of our two peoples.”
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said: “The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo comes within the framework of the UAE’s vision to consolidate its position as a leading economic and strategic partner in Africa, and to enhance mutual benefit with the vital markets in the African continent, especially since the Congo is characterized by a strategic location, rich natural resources, and great opportunities in many vital economic sectors, which is in line with our aspirations to diversify and sustain the national economy.”
His Excellency added: “This partnership opens new horizons for establishing development projects between the two countries at the level of the government and private sectors, as well as strengthening economic and investment relations with our partners in the Congo and Central African countries and pushing them to more advanced and prosperous levels, in line with the country’s efforts to enhance its presence as an attractive and influential global economic center in light of the determinants of the “We are the Emirates 2031” vision.
His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, stressed: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo contributes to expanding the network of trade and investment partners of the UAE on the African continent, which is one of the most important growth regions around the world. The Democratic Republic of the Congo provides broad opportunities for Emirati investors in various vital sectors, such as mining, agriculture, and renewable energy, while the agreement establishes a supportive framework to facilitate the movement of capital and foster strategic partnerships that are in line with our common economic ambitions, and by reducing barriers to trade and investment flows and promoting a transparent environment.” Supportive of business, the agreement will deepen our trade and investment ties, and we look forward to benefiting from this partnership to open new horizons of investment cooperation and joint development.”
Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, stressed: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo constitutes a necessary step towards achieving our common goals related to the environment and sustainability. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, rich in biodiversity and natural resources, offers distinct opportunities for cooperation in the field of sustainable agriculture and climate-smart practices. The agreement establishes a framework for joint initiatives aimed at improving food security and encouraging resilient agricultural systems. By taking advantage of the Republic’s agricultural potential Democratic Republic of the Congo and the UAE’s expertise in innovative agricultural technology, we can cooperate to strengthen supply chains, reduce emissions and protect vital ecosystems, contributing to global efforts to build a more sustainable future for all.”
His Excellency Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahij Al Falasi, Director General of Customs and Port Security at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, said: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo provides an opportunity to advance our trade relationship with a high-growth economy in Central Africa. The agreement will significantly reduce customs duties and remove barriers to trade, facilitating a smoother flow of goods and services between our two countries. As we strengthen our trade ties, the agreement will support bilateral trade, and will also expand access to… Democratic Republic of the Congo to broader markets across the GCC region and far beyond. The partnership will result in more efficient customs procedures, improve the dynamics of supply chains, and support our joint efforts to diversify the economy. The Federal Customs Authority is committed to maximizing the potential of the agreement, and ensuring that it becomes a catalyst for increased trade volume and shared prosperity.”
His Excellency Khaled Mohammed Al-Amaa, Governor of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, said: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents an important step in the path of improving economic integration and consolidating financial cooperation between the two countries, in line with the directives and vision of the wise leadership in building qualitative partnerships with the international community. The agreement is expected to contribute to raising the efficiency of cross-border transactions by improving the flow of payments and developing the relevant financial infrastructure, which will reflect positively on economic activity by expanding… Financing and investment opportunities, and enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the business environment, in a way that serves the common interests of the two countries.”
His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, said: “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents a qualitative addition to the group of comprehensive economic partnerships that the UAE continues to conclude with promising economies around the world based on its pioneering role in promoting international trade with common and mutual benefits.
Dubai, with its distinguished position as an international link for global trade and a preferred destination for investments, is fully prepared to transform the promising opportunities provided by the agreement into strategic returns for both sides, especially in vital sectors such as agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. The agreement is consistent with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and its transformational projects aimed at doubling the volume of foreign trade and adding 400 cities to the foreign trade map, in addition to attracting 650 billion dirhams in direct foreign investment by 2033, as it opens new horizons for the business sectors, investors and companies on both sides to flourish by benefiting from Dubai’s vibrant and diverse economic landscape.”
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