Source : WAM
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam has officially come into effect, marking a major step forward in deepening trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The agreement aims to remove trade barriers, reduce tariffs, and establish a strong framework for enhanced economic cooperation across multiple sectors.
Vietnam, an export-driven economy, is the UAE’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching US$12.6 billion in 2024, a 4 percent increase from the previous year. In 2025, trade surged to $16.05 billion, reflecting a substantial 27.4 percent growth compared to 2024.
With CEPA now in force, bilateral trade is expected to rise further, providing improved market access and opportunities for greater private sector collaboration.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, commented, “The implementation of the UAE-Vietnam CEPA represents a significant step forward in our economic partnership, opening new avenues for collaboration and sustainable growth. This agreement is not only set to strengthen trade relations but also to unlock investment opportunities in vital sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and agriculture.”
The CEPA will eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs on over 90 percent of UAE exports to Vietnam, covering 99 percent of their total value. Likewise, Vietnam will benefit from reduced tariffs on 95 percent of its product categories exported to the UAE, accounting for 99 percent of the total import value, significantly boosting trade flows and economic engagement.
As part of the UAE’s broader foreign trade strategy and its commitment to expanding global trade links, the CEPA with Vietnam a key ASEAN player is integral to achieving the UAE’s target of AED4 trillion (approx. $1.1 trillion) in non-oil trade by 2031.
Since its inception in September 2021, the CEPA initiative has successfully concluded agreements with over 30 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with 15 agreements now in force, providing UAE businesses access to markets representing nearly a quarter of the world’s population.
