emirates7 - Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stated that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the UAE and the Republic of the Congo is expected to elevate bilateral trade to over US$7.2 billion by 2032.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he highlighted that the UAE is the Republic of the Congo’s top Arab trade partner. He emphasized that the agreement will strengthen the UAE’s role as a central player in global supply chains, reinforcing its status as a key trade bridge linking the Arab world, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Al Zeyoudi noted that since diplomatic relations were established, the partnership has seen substantial growth. Non-oil trade between the two nations reached $3.1 billion in 2024, reflecting a 4.2 percent increase from 2023. The UAE’s non-oil exports alone amounted to $86 million.
Discussing the economic impact of the CEPA, he said it provides Emirati products with greater access to the Congolese market by eliminating tariffs on 99.5 percent of customs lines. This preferential treatment is set to boost the competitiveness of several UAE sectors, including aluminium, polyethylene, petrochemicals, heavy machinery, ceramics, glass, iron, steel, and copper.
He further described the CEPA as a strategic move to deepen collaboration between public and private sectors, unlocking opportunities across vital service industries. He underscored the services sector as a major area of potential growth, being the second-largest contributor to the Congolese GDP at around 33 percent. The Congolese government, he noted, is actively focused on expanding this sector as part of its broader economic diversification efforts.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi also stressed that the agreement paves the way for stronger engagement with Sub-Saharan Africa, a fast-developing region seeking investment to drive sustainable growth. He identified the Republic of the Congo as one of the region’s most promising economies.
Finally, he pointed out that the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub will be instrumental in helping Congolese exporters reach wider international markets.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he highlighted that the UAE is the Republic of the Congo’s top Arab trade partner. He emphasized that the agreement will strengthen the UAE’s role as a central player in global supply chains, reinforcing its status as a key trade bridge linking the Arab world, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Al Zeyoudi noted that since diplomatic relations were established, the partnership has seen substantial growth. Non-oil trade between the two nations reached $3.1 billion in 2024, reflecting a 4.2 percent increase from 2023. The UAE’s non-oil exports alone amounted to $86 million.
Discussing the economic impact of the CEPA, he said it provides Emirati products with greater access to the Congolese market by eliminating tariffs on 99.5 percent of customs lines. This preferential treatment is set to boost the competitiveness of several UAE sectors, including aluminium, polyethylene, petrochemicals, heavy machinery, ceramics, glass, iron, steel, and copper.
He further described the CEPA as a strategic move to deepen collaboration between public and private sectors, unlocking opportunities across vital service industries. He underscored the services sector as a major area of potential growth, being the second-largest contributor to the Congolese GDP at around 33 percent. The Congolese government, he noted, is actively focused on expanding this sector as part of its broader economic diversification efforts.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi also stressed that the agreement paves the way for stronger engagement with Sub-Saharan Africa, a fast-developing region seeking investment to drive sustainable growth. He identified the Republic of the Congo as one of the region’s most promising economies.
Finally, he pointed out that the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub will be instrumental in helping Congolese exporters reach wider international markets.