The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, termed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Ecuador a “strategic milestone” in advancing bilateral economic and trade relations in line with sustainable development priorities and deeper integration into global markets.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Zeyoudi noted that while trade and investment relations between the Gulf major and the South American country continue to grow, the non-oil segment reached USD 373.6 million in 2025, reflecting trade growth of 3.2% compared to 2024 and more than three times its 2019 level.
The minister further added that the UAE is Ecuador’s largest trading partner in the Arab world and the African continent, accounting for around 30% of the Latin American nation’s total trade with countries in these regions combined.
The two countries have signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) to create a transparent and stable environment for foreign direct investment (FDI) flows by reducing risks, protecting intellectual property rights, and establishing clear dispute resolution frameworks. The development reflects the strength of bilateral ties, apart from providing an effective platform for facilitating trade and investment and building networks. Further increasing its bilateral engagement with the UAE, Ecuador recently opened its trade office in Dubai to support cooperation with the Gulf nation’s private sector.
Al Zeyoudi affirmed that the CEPA will eliminate or reduce customs duties on more than 96% of traded goods and products between the UAE and Ecuador, contributing to improved market access for exports and strengthening supply chains.
“The agreement provides a trade and investment corridor linking the UAE with Latin American markets, while the UAE’s stature as a global trade hub will support the expansion of Ecuadorian companies into markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. It will also increase investments in vital sectors, enhance private sector partnerships, and support cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises,” the minister commented.
According to Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, the agreement’s scope is wide, benefiting clearly complementary sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, logistics services, technology, food production, and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, mining, education, capacity building, tourism, and hospitality.