The Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE and Canada have successfully concluded negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, underscoring the growing strength of their bilateral economic ties. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Maninder Sidhu, Canadian Minister of International Trade, announced the completion during Al Zeyoudi’s visit to Canada where he led a delegation of Emirati officials and business leaders. This marks the fastest achievement under the UAE’s CEPA programme since its launch in September 2021, reflecting shared ambition and political will to elevate economic and investment cooperation.
Bilateral trade reached approximately US$4.2 billion in 2025, reflecting growth of 21 percent compared to the previous year, according to figures released with the announcement by WAM. Upon ratification and entry into force, the CEPA will cut tariffs, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and expand market access for businesses in both the UAE and Canada. The pact is projected to facilitate billions of dollars in trade flows into major projects including ports, mines, LNG facilities, data centres and critical minerals while fostering collaboration in aerospace, agri-food and seafood.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the successful conclusion reflects the depth of the strategic relationship between the two nations. “The successful conclusion of CEPA negotiations between the UAE and Canada reflects the depth of the strategic relationship between our two nations and our shared desire to build a stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable economic partnership,” he stated. It also underscores the UAE’s capacity to translate high-level political commitment into tangible economic outcomes that support mutual growth and long-term prosperity, he added. Through the agreement, new horizons open for business communities in priority sectors such as clean energy, advanced technology, data centres, agri-food, aviation and critical minerals where the economies are complementary.
The development builds on earlier discussions between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Canadian Foreign Minister regarding bilateral ties and the CEPA, a WAM report noted. It complements the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement that entered into force on May 19, 2026, according to Global Affairs Canada data. The existing pact has facilitated long-term partnerships between industries in both countries, attracting capital to major projects and creating jobs. The new agreement aims to further enhance these ties and support private sectors in rapidly expanding collaborative efforts.
Maninder Sidhu described the speed of the negotiations, which began last month, as an important milestone. “The conclusion of negotiations on a CEPA with the UAE, which began last month, is the fastest negotiation ever completed by Canada, marking an important milestone in the growing relationship between our countries,” he said in the statement carried by WAM. This agreement will unlock opportunities for Canadian businesses to utilise the UAE as a regional commercial hub to grow exports. It will encourage investment from the UAE in projects that support long-term economic goals while delivering lasting benefits for businesses, workers and communities in both countries.
The UAE’s CEPA programme has secured agreements with 38 countries since its launch in September 2021, according to the foreign trade strategy. The latest accord aligns with the goal of doubling the size of the UAE economy to over US$800 billion by 2031 after the country achieved US$1 trillion in total trade value six years ahead of target. Officials from both sides have emphasised the complementary nature of their economies in driving future cooperation across multiple high-growth sectors.
