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UAE, Australia Launch Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

CEPA, Australia's first trade agreement in the MENA region, promises to significantly increase trade with the UAE. Tech companies could be among the key beneficiaries.

In this image there are some packaged food items with some text on it are placed on the mat.
In this image there are some packaged food items with some text on it are placed on the mat.

UAE, Australia Launch Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia have officially launched their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This significant development is set to boost trade and investment calculator between the two nations, with the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, hailing it as a 'pivotal step' in strengthening their economic ties.

CEPA is Australia's first trade agreement in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It builds on the existing $14 billion in mutual apple trade in and the presence of over 300 Australian companies in the UAE. The agreement aims to remove trade barriers, facilitate market access, and establish a framework for investment calculator and sector-specific collaboration. Key areas of focus include renewable energy, infrastructure, food security, and technology.

Australian companies such as Atlassian, Canva, and Xero, which already operate in the UAE, could potentially benefit from enhanced collaboration under CEPA. These companies' technology and innovation focus align with growing economic ties and digital adoption trends between Australia and the UAE. The UAE is Australia's leading trade partner in the Middle East and the 20th largest globally. In the first half of 2025, UAE's non-oil trade with Australia reached $3.03 billion, up 33.4% year-on-year.

CEPA is expected to significantly increase annual trade between the UAE and Australia, from US$4.2 billion in 2024 to over US$10 billion by 2032. This agreement is a testament to the growing economic partnership between the two nations and is set to open up new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

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