ABU DHABI - In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE, and Samir Obeid, Minister of Trade and Export Development of Tunisia, announced the initiation of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This decision was made during a virtual meeting conducted on March 20, 2025, where officials from both countries expressed their commitment to deepening economic ties.
The new CEPA aims to bolster trade and investment between the UAE and Tunisia by reducing tariffs and trade barriers, improving market access, and establishing investment pathways across various sectors. Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “Tunisia is a valued partner that presents a diverse range of trade and investment opportunities that will enhance our mutual economic growth and prosperity. The start of negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement represents a pivotal opportunity for both the UAE and Tunisia to deepen our economic ties and unlock new avenues for trade and investment.”
Reflecting on the current trade dynamics, in 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Tunisia reached approximately US$350 million, reflecting a growth rate of 7.7% when compared to the previous year. Notably, the UAE has established itself as Tunisia's primary trade partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, validating the importance of scaling these bilateral efforts.
Obeid also emphasized the importance of the CEPA during the discussions, stating, “The agreement we are working towards will mark a pivotal shift in establishing a comprehensive new framework for economic and trade collaboration between our nations, serving the interests of both countries and opening up extensive opportunities for joint cooperation in priority areas, ensuring mutual benefits for both sides.”
As the negotiations progress, both sides are set to define specific chapters and provisions of the CEPA to ensure a balanced and fair agreement. Upon successful completion, the CEPA is expected to unlock significant investment opportunities in Tunisia. The country's diverse economy displays a robust export portfolio that includes vital sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. This agreement aims to act as a catalyst, allowing UAE investors to capitalize on Tunisia’s high-potential sectors while simultaneously enhancing Tunisia's access to GCC and global markets.
The initiation of negotiations with Tunisia is in line with the broader strategy of the UAE to double the size of its economy and amplify its role in international trade. With a total of 26 CEPAs concluded and numerous existing agreements, the UAE’s CEPA program has significantly facilitated access to high-growth markets. In 2024, the UAE achieved an all-time high in total trade, reaching US$816 billion, which marked a substantial increase of 14.6% from 2023.
This CEPA initiative represents both countries' aspirations to advance their economic partnership, balance trade relationships, and open numerous opportunities for investment. As both nations move forward with negotiations, the potential benefits of this partnership will be closely watched by various sectors.
