The United Arab Emirates and Japan have successfully finalized the terms of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, marking a first-of-its-kind deal between Japan and an Arab nation. This agreement aims to enhance the trade and investment relations between the two friendly countries, propelling economic growth to new levels.
The announcement of the agreement’s conclusion was made during a formal visit by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, who is the UAE’s special envoy to Japan. He was accompanied by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, during their meeting with Japan’s Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi.
This agreement is an important step in strengthening the historically strategic ties between the UAE and Japan across various sectors, particularly in trade and investment. It is expected to boost trade flows, enhance investments, and expand cooperation between the private sectors of both nations in priority areas such as advanced technology, logistics, international transport, cybersecurity, healthcare, and education.
The agreement also opens new avenues for collaboration in research and development, innovation, smart mobility, energy security, financial services, and digital transformation. These areas align with the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy and support the priorities of both countries under the strategic partnership signed in 2022.
Shared Commitment
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber remarked, “These efforts align with the directives of our wise leadership to strengthen economic and commercial relations with Japan. The successful conclusion of the comprehensive economic partnership negotiations reflects the robustness of the strategic partnership between our nations and their mutual commitment to fostering innovation, industrial development, and achieving sustainable economic growth. The agreement will open new opportunities for collaboration in advanced industries and technology, as well as flexible supply chains, while providing more chances for the private sector to enhance investment and innovation. By promoting economic integration between our countries, the agreement will aid in developing future industries and establishing competitive advanced economies.”
Significant Step
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi added, “The conclusion of our negotiations with Japan, one of the world’s largest economies and a key member of the G7, represents a significant advancement in the strategic relations between the UAE and Japan. By eliminating trade barriers and facilitating mutual investment flows, this agreement will unlock new opportunities for the private sector in both nations, providing a vital platform for fostering promising partnerships between our business communities to benefit both countries and their mutual prosperity.”
The successful conclusion stems from thriving trade relations, with non-oil trade between the UAE and Japan reaching $20.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a growth of 16.7% compared to the previous year. The UAE has solidified its status as Japan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and Africa, accounting for 39% of Japan’s trade with the Arab and African regions.
The UAE’s comprehensive economic partnership agreements program is a cornerstone of its foreign trade strategy. Since the program’s launch in September 2021, the UAE has secured agreements with over 35 high-growth economies, enhancing access to markets that comprise approximately a quarter of the world’s population.