Public RecordRecord
UAE and Thailand conclude CEPA negotiations as non-oil trade reaches $10.2bn
Bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries grew 75.4 percent in the first half of 2026.
The United Arab Emirates and Thailand concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on 9 October 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade announced. Bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries reached $10.2 billion in the first half of 2026, up 75.4 percent from the same period in 2025, according to UAE government figures.
UAE Thailand CEPA negotiations completed in Bangkok#
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, met with Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, and Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, in Bangkok to announce the conclusion of negotiations. Obaid Saeed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Thailand, attended the meeting. The ministry stated that the agreement covers trade barriers, market access and investment flows between the two economies. The two sides are looking to expand cooperation between their business communities, according to the announcement.
Bilateral non-oil trade grew 65.2 percent in 2025#
Bilateral non-oil trade reached $12.3 billion in 2025, an increase of 65.2 percent from the previous year, UAE government data showed. UAE non-oil exports to Thailand totalled $4.5 billion in 2025, with gold, aluminium products and other industrial goods accounting for the growth, while Thailand's exports to the UAE reached $7.2 billion. The ministry said the agreement would strengthen trade and investment ties between the two economies. The expected timeframe for signing and ratification was not disclosed.
Agreement covers multiple sectors#
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stated that the conclusion of the negotiations demonstrated both countries' intention to strengthen economic relations between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The agreement is intended to create opportunities for companies, investors and entrepreneurs in both countries seeking to expand into each other's markets, he stated. The CEPA covers trade and investment in sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and renewable energy, according to the ministry. Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the agreement would elevate economic and trade relations between Thailand and the UAE and demonstrated both countries' commitment to expanding cooperation.
UAE expands trade agreement network across Asia#
The UAE has concluded or is negotiating comprehensive economic partnership agreements with multiple countries across Asia as part of its trade diversification strategy. The CEPA is intended to improve the competitiveness of companies from both countries operating in each other's markets and in the wider region, the ministry said. The agreement follows the UAE's conclusion of CEPA negotiations with South Korea and India in previous years. Once signed, ratified and brought into force, the CEPA is expected to support trade and investment flows between the two countries, the ministry stated.
Sources1 source across 1 domain
- gulfnews.comGulf NewsUAE and Thailand concluded CEPA negotiations on 9 October 2026; bilateral non-oil trade reached $10.2 billion in first half of 2026, up 75.4 percent; $12.3 billion in 2025, up 65.2 percent; UAE non-oil exports to Thailand reached $4.5 billion in 2025; imports from Thailand reached $7.2 billion; meet
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