The CEPA will eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs on over 90 percent of UAE exports to Viet Nam, covering 99 percent of the total value of these exports

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Viet Nam has officially come into force, representing a significant expansion and strengthening of trade and investment relations between the two nations. The agreement will eliminate barriers to trade, reduce tariffs and establish a robust framework for enhanced economic cooperation across multiple sectors.

Viet Nam, an export-led economy, is the UAE’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region, with bilateral non-oil trade increasing 4 percent in 2024 to reach $12.6 billion. In 2025, trade surpassed $16.05 billion, representing a significant 27.4 percent increase compared to 2024.

Deal to unlock investment opportunities in vital sectors

With the CEPA now officially in force, bilateral trade is projected to further increase, with the benefits of the agreement delivering improved market access and opportunities for increased private sector collaboration.

“The implementation of the UAE-Viet Nam CEPA represents a significant step forward in our economic partnership, opening new avenues for collaboration and sustainable growth. This agreement is not only set to strengthen trade relations but also to unlock investment opportunities in vital sectors such as renewable energy, technology and agriculture,” said Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.

The CEPA will eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs on over 90 percent of UAE exports to Viet Nam, covering 99 percent of the total value of these exports. Similarly, Viet Nam will benefit from reduced tariffs on 95 percent of its product categories, covering 99 percent of the total value of these imports to the UAE, significantly enhancing trade flows and economic engagement.

CEPA program concludes agreements with over 30 countries around the world

As part of the UAE’s broader foreign trade agenda and ongoing commitment to expanding its global trade network, the CEPA with Viet Nam, a key player in the ASEAN region, is integral to achieving the UAE’s target of AED4 trillion ($1.1 trillion) in non-oil trade by 2031.

Since its launch in September 2021, the CEPA program has successfully concluded agreements with over 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, with 15 now in force, enhancing trade relations and access for UAE businesses to markets that comprise nearly a quarter of the world’s population.

In a bid to further expand this program, the UAE signed similar agreements this week with Congo and Sierra Leone to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.

Last month, Al Zeyoudi also revealed that an agreement with Japan has reached its final stages ahead of its official signing, alongside tangible progress in negotiations with Ecuador. He added that negotiations with the European Union (EU) are progressing positively, with expectations of nearing completion, particularly in light of the progress achieved between India and the European Union on outstanding issues.

He indicated that the UAE will continue to work on expanding its network of trade partnerships with a number of countries around the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, in a manner that supports the goals of sustainable development and enhances the competitiveness of the national economy.

Source: Economy Middle East