The UAE is on a trade + investments streak: The UAE has been on a trade and investments roll this week, inking over a dozen of big and small agreements with Uzbekistan, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Kenya. The raft of agreements include three Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), and at least 15 various agreements and contracts across the logistics, trade, and renewable energy sectors.

#1- UAE and Uzbekistan inked at least 15 investment agreements and contracts, covering the logistics, transportation, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and agricultural sectors, according to a statement. Some agreements included involvement from Abu Dhabi port operator AD Ports, but no further details were disclosed.

AD Ports and Uzbekistan have history: The Emirati port operator established presence in the landlocked country through ADL-Ulanish, a JV founded in 2023 with SEG Enara Group. The JV focuses on building dry ports and container yards, and specializes in engineering logistics services, multimodal transportation, warehouses, and customs clearance. Last year, AD Ports was reportedly in talks with Uzbekistan to establish a logistics center in the Tashkent region.

DP Ports also has eyes on Uzbekistan: Dubai-based port operator DP World inked an MoU last September with Uzbekistan to develop freezones and logistics centers in the country.

Trade and investments are ramping up: Trade between UAE and Uzbekistan increased at an average pace of around 20% y-o-y since 2021, settling at nearly USD 650 mn by the end of last year. 337 companies with UAE-linked capital are currently active in Uzbekistan, with investments exceeding USD 1.5 bn in 2024.

#2- UAE + Malaysia sign CEPA: The UAE inked a CEPA with Malaysia to reduce or eliminate tariffs, enhance market access for service exports, accelerate bilateral trade, and promote private sector collaboration, Wam reports.

We knew this was coming: The UAE’s Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi concluded negotiations on the CEPA in October 2024 with Malaysia’s Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Zafrul Aziz.

#3- UAE + New Zealand collaborate on clean energy: The UAE inked a CEPA with New Zealand to enhance bilateral ties in sectors including advanced technology, clean energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and financial services, Wam reports. The agreement will also help develop industrial production and avenues for exporting Emirati products.

ICYMI- The UAE and New Zealand reached a trade and economic agreement in September2024 and finalized a bilateral investment treaty to boost export flows and investments. The agreement will see the UAE remove tariffs on 98.5% of imports from New Zealand, with the figure expected to rise to 99% within three years.

#4- The UAE + Kenya also inked a CEPA to enhance trade ties and supply chain access, Wam reports. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the agreement will enhance trade and investment, while also promoting innovation and sustainable growth in key sectors like agriculture, retail, healthcare, financial services, technology, and tourism. Bilateral non-oil trade rose 29.1% y-o-y to USD 3.1 bn in the first nine months of last year.

Tags: