Today: 23 August 2025
10 May 2023
2 mins read

UAE set to launch CEPA talks with Thailand

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi emphasized that these negotiations represent another important step in our growth agenda and underline UAE’s role as a key enabler of global trade….reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, have signed a joint statement agreeing to launch negotiations to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. The first round of negotiations will commence in the UAE on May 16.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi emphasized that these negotiations represent another important step in our growth agenda and underline UAE’s role as a key enabler of global trade.

Al Zeyoudi underlined the developing relations between the UAE and Thailand, stating that the negotiations are a natural progression following the launch of the first UAE-Thai Business Council in February 2023.

He added: “Thailand is an increasingly important trade and investment partner for the UAE, and a high-growth economy in the heart of an exciting, rapidly emerging region. We have enjoyed strong bilateral trade growth in recent years and believe a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will deliver a wealth of opportunity in sectors such as tourism, food security, IT, logistics and financial services. These negotiations represent another important step in our growth agenda and underline our role as a key enabler of global trade.”

Thailand’s economy is the second largest in South-East Asia and is projected to grow 3.8 percent in 2023, driven by the rebound in the country’s vital tourism sector. It also boasts a well-developed services sector that contributes 58.3 percent of the nation’s GDP. A UAE-Thailand CEPA will build on the rapidly increasing non-oil trade between the two nations, which increased 21 percent in 2022 to reach US$6.1 billion.

The UAE’s principal exports to Thailand are ethylene polymers, gold, vegetable residues, delivery vehicles and parts, and electric batteries, with iron, steel and cosmetics emerging sectors. In the other direction, Thailand’s leading exports include office machinery and parts, motor vehicle parts, tires and aluminum plating.

The CEPA negotiations with Thailand are the latest under the UAE’s ambitious foreign trade agenda, which seeks to double its foreign trade and the national economy by 2031.

The UAE has so far concluded 4 CEPAs with India, Israel, Indonesia and Turkey and the first two have already come into force, and the signing of other two agreements will follow later.

The UAE is currently in talks with more markets of strategic importance at the regional and global levels to establish similar agreements.

ALSO READ: Syria resumes diplomatic mission in Saudi

Previous Story

Yemeni leader, Saudi envoy discuss ways to end civil war

Next Story

UAE, Tajikistan sign air transport services deal

Latest from -Top News

US sanctions more ICC judges

Washington hits at The Hague with fresh sanctions on four ICC judges and prosecutors, including French and Canadian officials, over probes targeting Israel and US actions abroad….reports Asian Lite News The United

UAE Wows Osaka!

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates its three millionth visitor, blending culture, innovation, and hospitality in an immersive showcase of heritage, sustainability, and forward-looking global vision….reports Asian Lite News The

MBS & Sisi talk ties, Palestine

The two leaders reviewed the historic and strategic relations between Riyadh and Cairo and explored new ways to bolster cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin

Dubai’s startup supernova

Marking its 10th year, Expand North Star cements Dubai’s role as a global hub for digital innovation, uniting startups, unicorns, and investors to shape the future economy….reports Asian Lite News Expand North

Qatar: Syria’s stability key to region

Qatar, speaking for the Arab Group at the UN, urged unity and sovereignty for Syria as regional diplomacy, UN warnings, and fragile ceasefires highlight a precarious crossroads….reports Asian Lite News Qatar, speaking
Go toTop

Don't Miss

‘Inter-Arab Trade Stands at $700 Billion’

Hanafi said that the UAE’s trade achievements, notably in fostering

DEWA invests in AI & machine learning

Al Tayer noted that the R&D Centre at the Mohammed