The UAE and Ecuador formalized plans for deeper economic cooperation. The two countries signed off on their trade and economic partnership agreement, also known as a CEPA, and signaled more than USD 3 bn in projects under discussion, state news agency Wam reports (here and here).

The agreement will lower tariffs and ease trade barriers across priority sectors, including clean energy, advanced technology, mining, logistics, and agriculture. Meanwhile, the UAE’s Investment Ministry and Ecuador’s Production, Foreign Trade, Investments, and Fisheries Ministry agreed to explore potential joint investments.

ALSO- Edge Group signed an MoU with Ecuador’s National Defense Ministry under a USD 250 mn program focused on surveillance systems and border protection infrastructure. A separate anti-corruption cooperation agreement was formalized between the UAE’s Accountability Authority and Ecuador’s Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control.

BACKGROUND- Non-oil trade between the two countries reached roughly USD 373.6 mn in 2025. Ecuador is the fourth Latin American country to sign a CEPA with the UAE, alongside Costa Rica, Chile, and Colombia. Negotiations with Peru are still ongoing.

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