CEPA on the horizon for UAE + Thailand: The UAE and Thailand have inked a preliminary agreement to launch negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), according to a statement. The first round of talks will begin on 16 May in the UAE. The CEPA “will deliver a wealth of opportunity in sectors such as tourism, food security, IT, logistics and financial services,” UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said.

Another one with Vietnam could be coming soon: UAE Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri and Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan met to discuss cooperation in trade and mechanisms to accelerate negotiations for a CEPA, according to a statement. The pair also discussed enhancing air and logistics connectivity and increasing the UAE’s direct investments in Vietnam. The volume of non-oil trade between the countries reached USD 7.9 bn in 2022, up 10.5% y-o-y, according to the release.

The UAE is pushing to boost its trade, signing CEPAs with several countries, including withIndia, Israel, Indonesia, and Turkey, and it recently finalized its CEPA with Cambodia. The negotiations between UAE and Thailand are “an important step in the UAE’s growth and their role as a enabler of global trade,” Al Zeyoudi said.

The UAE and Tajikistan strengthen bilateral aviation ties: The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Tajikistan inked an air transport services agreement and an MoU to enhance air traffic and trade between the two nations, Emirati state news agency Wamreports. The agreements aim to lift restrictions on designated airlines from both countries and to boost their GDPs and airport connections. They will also help boost bilateral trade and tourism, Director General of the GCAA Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi said.

Qatar, Uzbekistan also look to strengthen trade ties: Qatari Commerce Minister Mohammed Al Thani discussed ways to enhance trade, investment and industry ties with Uzbekistan’s Investment Minister Laziz Kudratov, during his visit to Qatar, according to a ministry statement.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING-

  • Jordan’s Chamber of Commerce and a Chinese trade delegation discussed enhancing trade cooperation in agriculture, medical devices, construction, technology, scientific research, and prospects of China to invest in renewable investments, electric vehicles, machinery, and food in Jordan. (Petra)
  • Iran and KSA are planning expert level talks to develop maritime trade, including jointly developing ports and shipping lines, deputy CEO of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization Majid Ali-Nazi said. (Tasnim News Agency)
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