The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of the Congo signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at boosting economic cooperation between the two nations on 8 April 2025.

The agreement was signed during an official ceremony at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi and was witnessed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Congolese President His Excellency Denis Sassou Nguesso.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Christian Yoka, Minister of Finance, Budget, and Public Portfolio of the Republic of the Congo.

President Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the importance of the CEPA in strengthening ties between the two countries and encouraging greater cooperation in various economic fields. He noted that both nations share similar goals in terms of sustainable development and economic diversification, and expressed hope that the agreement would lead to new opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso welcomed the agreement, stating that it supports the shared vision of economic progress and reflects the Republic of the Congo’s commitment to expanding its partnership with the UAE for the benefit of both countries and their people.

This deal is part of the UAE’s wider strategy to build strong trade relationships with key global markets. One of the country’s long-term goals is to double the size of its economy by 2031, and agreements like this play a key role in achieving that target.

Under the terms of the UAE–Republic of the Congo CEPA, both countries will gradually remove tariffs on the vast majority of goods traded between them. Over five years, 99.5% of tariff lines for UAE exports and 98% for Congolese exports will be eliminated. The agreement also aims to ease non-tariff trade barriers, improve access to service markets, and encourage new investment opportunities.

This partnership is expected to significantly increase non-oil trade between the two countries—from USD 3.1 billion in 2024 to a projected USD 7.2 billion by 2032. The agreement builds on already growing trade relations, with bilateral non-oil trade increasing by 4.2% in 2024 compared to 2023, and by 44.4% compared to 2022.

The CEPA follows the signing of three key agreements between the two nations in 2023: a deal to avoid double taxation, an agreement on investment protection and promotion, and an air transport agreement.

Foreign trade continues to be central to the UAE’s economic vision. In 2024, the UAE’s non-oil trade in goods reached a record USD 817 billion—14.6% more than in 2023 and 56.8% more than in 2021. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements like the one signed with the Republic of the Congo are an essential part of the UAE’s plan to reach USD 1.1 trillion in total non-oil trade by 2031.