المنتدى الدولى للصحافة والإعلام

In a step that reflects the consolidation of the country’s position as a global center for trade and investment, the UAE is expanding its network of economic and trade partnerships with global markets under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Program, which has resulted in the conclusion of 38 agreements in just five years, covering vital markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe. This provides UAE companies with direct market access advantages while overcoming customs duties and trade barriers.

The expansion of this network coincided with the recording of record levels in non-oil foreign trade, reaching AED 1.9 trillion during the first half of the current year, while non-oil exports amounted to around AED 500 billion, according to Maat Group. Data also showed that the volume of trade with countries where the agreements have entered into force exceeded AED 300 billion, with UAE exports to these countries accounting for around AED 66 billion, according to official data.

The partnership map is geographically distributed to include India, Indonesia, and Türkiye in Asia, and Ukraine and Serbia in Europe, while the African presence is growing through negotiations and agreements with Kenya, Gabon, and Congo-Brazzaville, as part of a plan to secure supply chains and connect the country with emerging economies.

These expansions come at a time when the gains are not limited to trade in goods, but extend to opening new horizons for services, investments, and small and medium-sized enterprises, driven by efforts to transform the UAE into a global base for production and re-export, with a focus on promising sectors such as logistics, renewable energy, agriculture, and modern technology.