The UAE and Thailand conclude negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as bilateral non-oil trade rises to $12.3 billion in 2025, opening opportunities for stronger investment and sectoral cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand have concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The conclusion of negotiations was announced in Bangkok, during a meeting between UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. UAE Ambassador to Thailand Obaid Saeed Al Dhaheri was also present. The agreement will now move through the legal and technical procedures required for signing and implementation.
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The agreement comes amid strong growth in bilateral trade. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached $12.3 billion in 2025, an increase of 65.2% compared with the previous year. Trade momentum continued in the first half of 2026, with bilateral non-oil trade rising 75.4% year-on-year to $10.2 billion, according to UAE government figures.
The CEPA is expected to create additional opportunities for businesses and investors in sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, food security, digital trade, renewable energy and precious metals. Both governments aim to strengthen commercial partnerships, improve market access and encourage investment flows between their business communities.
The agreement also supports broader efforts to diversify economic partnerships and expand connections between regional markets. For the UAE, closer engagement with Thailand provides opportunities to deepen its commercial presence in Southeast Asia. Thailand, in turn, can use its manufacturing base and regional trade networks to strengthen economic links with the UAE and markets across the Middle East.
Officials have highlighted the potential for businesses in both countries to benefit from expanded trade and investment cooperation. The agreement is intended to support companies seeking new markets, strengthen supply chain connections and create opportunities for partnerships across priority industries.
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The completion of negotiations marks an important stage in the bilateral economic relationship, although the agreement must proceed through the remaining formal steps before entering into force. Once implemented, the CEPA is expected to provide a framework for sustained growth in trade, investment and private sector collaboration between the UAE and Thailand.