Thani Al Zeyoudi: The Partnership Agreement Reduces Tariffs on 90% of the Country’s Exports to Hanoi
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Vietnam has officially come into effect, marking a significant expansion and strengthening of trade and investment ties between the two nations. This agreement is expected to eliminate trade barriers, reduce customs duties, and establish a robust framework for enhancing economic cooperation across various sectors.
Vietnam, an export-driven economy, stands as the UAE’s largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In 2024, the volume of non-oil trade between the two countries grew by 4%, reaching $12.6 billion.
By 2025, trade volume exceeded $16.05 billion, reflecting a remarkable increase of 27.4% compared to 2024. With the official implementation of the CEPA, further growth in bilateral trade is anticipated, as the agreement will improve market access and provide opportunities for enhanced private sector collaboration.
Significant Step
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, stated: “The commencement of the CEPA between the UAE and Vietnam represents a crucial milestone in strengthening our economic partnership, opening up new avenues for collaboration and sustainable growth.
The benefits of the agreement extend beyond merely enhancing trade relations; it also paves the way for investment opportunities in vital sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and agriculture.”
The CEPA significantly reduces customs duties on more than 90% of UAE exports to Vietnam, covering 99% of the total export value. In a similar vein, Vietnam benefits from reduced tariffs on 95% of its product categories, which account for 99% of the current imports to the UAE originating from Vietnam, thereby substantially boosting trade flows and economic interaction.
This CEPA with Vietnam, a key player in the ASEAN region, is essential for achieving the UAE’s goal of reaching non-oil trade valued at 4 trillion dirhams (approximately $1.1 trillion) by 2031.
Since its inception in September 2021, the CEPA program has successfully established agreements with over 30 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with this agreement being the 15th to take effect, enhancing trade relations and facilitating UAE companies’ access to markets that comprise nearly a quarter of the world’s population.
Strategic Milestone
Additionally, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi emphasized that signing the CEPA between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents a strategic milestone in expanding the country’s trade partnership network, bolstering its economic presence in Africa, particularly in the resource-rich Central African region.
In remarks to the UAE news agency, he noted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a crucial partner for the UAE, being among the top ten economies in Africa, with a GDP of approximately $70.75 billion and an expected economic growth of 5.1% by 2025, surpassing the global average.
He pointed out that the agreement opens extensive avenues for bolstering economic communication with a region rich in natural resources that seeks to enhance its growth by attracting high-quality foreign direct investments.
Furthermore, the agreement is set to support bilateral trade, especially in gem and mineral sectors, as well as agriculture. The DRC plays a pivotal role in global supply chains, producing over 70% of the world’s cobalt and being the largest copper producer in Africa.
It is also a major source of other strategic minerals, including gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten—essential components for electric vehicle manufacturing, electronics, and energy transition technologies. The central geographic position of the DRC, bordering nine African nations, offers a competitive advantage as a strategic entry point for expanding trade in Central and East Africa.
Trade Exchange
Regarding trade and investment, Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted that the value of non-oil trade between the UAE and the DRC reached $2.9 billion in 2025, reflecting a growth of 16.1% compared to 2024.
He noted that prominent UAE exports include oil and derivatives, paints, clothing, food products, consumer goods, construction materials, and more.
In terms of investment, he mentioned several notable strategic projects over the past five years, including a $1.9 billion partnership agreement in the mining sector in 2023.
Additionally, International Resources Holding acquired Al-Famin Resources in 2025, alongside Emirati investments in copper and cobalt smelters and gold and artisanal mining shipping projects.
He also highlighted the critical role of the logistics sector, referring to DP World’s agreement for developing the deep-water Banana Port with an investment of $1.2 billion, expected to commence operation by late 2026 or early 2027.
He confirmed that the CEPA with the DRC contributes to supporting the UAE’s economic agenda, aiming to elevate the value of foreign trade to 4 trillion dirhams by 2031.
This includes doubling the value of exports during the same period by eliminating or reducing customs duties, removing unnecessary trade barriers, opening markets for services trade, enhancing digital trade, and establishing effective dispute resolution mechanisms.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi clarified that the agreement further solidifies the UAE’s position as a global supply chain hub, acting as a bridge connecting the Arab markets with Europe, Asia, and Africa, while providing extensive opportunities across service sectors, including business, logistics, construction, engineering, healthcare, education, environment, finance, telecommunications, tourism, and travel.
Concerning small and medium-sized enterprises, Dr. Al Zeyoudi affirmed that supporting this sector remains a shared priority, emphasizing that the agreement will alleviate trade barriers faced by their exports.
It offers a platform for collaboration between support centers, business incubators, growth accelerators, and startups, enabling them to harness the opportunities presented by the CEPA and enhance data exchange related to trade and relevant regulations and procedures.