His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, stated that the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the UAE and Ecuador signifies a strategic step in enhancing economic and trade relations between the two nations. This agreement opens doors for expanded cooperation and mutual investment, aligning with sustainable development priorities and promoting integration with global markets.
In an announcement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted that trade and investment ties between the two countries are witnessing continuous growth. Non-oil trade reached $373.6 million in 2025, representing a 3.2% increase compared to 2024 and more than three times its level in 2019. The UAE stands as Ecuador’s largest trading partner in the Arab world and Africa, accounting for roughly 30% of Ecuador’s total trade with these regions combined.
He noted that the signing of an agreement to encourage and protect investment aims to establish a transparent and stable environment for foreign direct investment flows. This includes reducing risks, safeguarding intellectual property rights, and creating clear frameworks for dispute resolution, which underscores the significance of bilateral relations and facilitates trade, investment, and networking. Additionally, Ecuador has opened a trade office in Dubai to bolster collaboration with the private sector.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the comprehensive economic partnership agreement aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs on over 96% of exchanged goods and products, enhancing export access to markets and strengthening supply chains.
The agreement also provides a trade and investment corridor linking the UAE to Latin American markets, leveraging the UAE’s status as a global trade hub to support Ecuadorian companies’ expansion into Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while also increasing investments in vital sectors and fostering partnerships between the private sector and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
He pointed out that the agreement benefits various sectors, showcasing clear integration in multiple areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, logistics services, technology, food production, advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, mining, education, capacity building, tourism, and hospitality. He noted that the existing cooperation in logistics services serves as a solid foundation for further expansion within the agreement.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi indicated that Central and South America are priority regions for the UAE, given their location, natural resources, and promising economic opportunities. The UAE has established economic partnership agreements with Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile, the latter of which came into effect on November 24, 2025. Efforts are also underway to explore the possibility of agreements with other countries and blocs, including Peru and the Mercosur bloc.
Regarding the choice of Ecuador, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi explained that the comprehensive economic partnership agreements program focuses on establishing ambitious developmental partnerships with countries located in key global growth centers. Ecuador is central to this vision due to its geographic position, making it a critical trade gateway to Latin America that connects the region with global markets.
He added that Ecuador has signed free trade agreements with the United States, Canada, and China, in addition to the European Free Trade Association, which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Furthermore, investment promotion policies have facilitated business operations through new legislation for public-private partnerships, allowing 100% foreign ownership and offering attractive tax incentives. The GDP of Ecuador was approximately $130 billion in 2025, reflecting the resilience of the economy and the growth trajectory of the country.