The UAE-Belarus Trade in Services and Investment Agreement entered into force on October 7, 2026, after being signed in Minsk on June 27, 2025. The pact establishes a comprehensive bilateral framework that opens greater opportunities for service suppliers while strengthening safeguards for investors from both sides. According to the Emirates News Agency, the agreement sets clear rules for operations across multiple sectors in compliance with existing legislation and creates additional channels for investment cooperation, including a dedicated subcommittee on investment. It also aims to generate substantial benefits by reinforcing trade and economic links that have grown steadily in recent years.
UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi described the development as an important step forward. “The entry into force of the Trade in Services and Investment Agreement between the UAE and the Republic of Belarus represents an important step in developing the economic partnership between the two countries and reflects their shared keenness to establish foundations for more sustainable and integrated economic cooperation,” he said. Al Zeyoudi noted that the pact would help prepare a more transparent and stable environment for business growth and new collaborations. His comments came as authorities highlighted the deal’s role in building on an already solid base of bilateral relations.
Non-oil trade between the UAE and Belarus reached $316.4 million in 2025, the Emirates News Agency reported. That total included re-exports valued at $268 million, imports from Belarus amounting to $45.3 million and UAE non-oil exports of $3 million. The figures illustrate the current scale of commercial exchanges, which remain modest relative to broader UAE trade volumes yet show potential for expansion under the new agreement. Officials from both countries expect the pact to support further diversification across sectors such as technology, education and healthcare.
Belarus became the first member of the Eurasian Economic Union to conclude such an agreement with the UAE, the Belarusian Council of Ministers stated when the deal was signed. The agreement complements the UAE-EAEU Economic Partnership Agreement that took effect one day earlier on October 6, 2026, and covers preferential access across a wide range of tariff lines. Data from Belarusian government sources indicate that similar pacts exist only within the EAEU and CIS frameworks, with another services and investment accord signed with China now also in effect since the start of 2026.
The pact provides reciprocal guarantees for transparent and stable conditions in services trade while establishing mechanisms to promote investment activities. It defines goals for cooperation and sets out conditions for conducting business in various fields, taking national regulatory requirements into account. A joint committee will oversee implementation, ensuring both parties can address issues and explore further opportunities as trade volumes evolve.
UAE investments in Belarus already exceed $4 billion, according to statements made during high-level meetings in 2025. This financial commitment underpins the new agreement, which is designed to facilitate additional joint ventures and market entry for businesses from both nations. Belarusian authorities have emphasised that the deal will help remove obstacles to services exports and signal improved access for foreign direct investment in targeted economic sectors.
