UAE and Turkey Enhance Strategic Partnership Through Economic Cooperation
📋 Key Takeaway: The UAE and Turkey are reinforcing their economic partnership through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has significantly boosted bilateral trade and investment flows since its implementation.
Strengthening Trade Relations Under CEPA
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of Turkey are actively enhancing their strategic partnership in trade and investment, particularly through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect on September 1, 2023. This agreement has already shown positive impacts, stimulating bilateral trade and investment flows significantly. In 2025, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with Turkey surpassed $45.2 billion, reflecting a robust annual growth rate of 15.5 percent compared to the previous year.
Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, recently met with Turkish ministers and senior officials in Istanbul during the UAE-Türkiye Business Forum. This event also coincided with the third annual meeting of the UAE-Türkiye Business Council, which has been restructured to further enhance cooperation between the two nations’ business communities.
Key Discussions and Future Prospects
During the forum, Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of partnership and innovation in driving economic growth. He noted that the UAE and Turkey share a strong relationship founded on mutual respect and aligned objectives. The CEPA has led to a nearly tripling of non-oil trade between the two countries compared to 2022, underscoring the success of their economic collaboration.
In his discussions with Mustafa Tuzcu, Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Dr. Al Zeyoudi focused on maximizing the benefits of the CEPA, aiming to expand trade partnerships and identify new investment opportunities. He stated, ‘The UAE is committed to ensuring that the next chapter of our strategic partnership with Turkey is more ambitious and innovative.’
Memoranda of Understanding and Business Involvement
The UAE-Türkiye Business Forum also facilitated the signing of two new memoranda of understanding, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the business sectors of both countries. The UAE delegation included leaders from various sectors such as logistics, energy, technology, agriculture, and healthcare, highlighting the diverse interests and potential for collaboration between the two nations.
The CEPA is part of the UAE’s broader national agenda to enhance foreign trade and investment, strengthen supply chain resilience, and create opportunities for the private sector. The recent meetings and discussions in Istanbul not only reinforced economic ties but also paved the way for further cooperation that supports mutual prosperity and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)?
CEPA is an agreement between the UAE and Turkey aimed at enhancing trade and investment flows.
How much did UAE’s non-oil trade with Turkey grow in 2025?
The non-oil trade with Turkey exceeded $45.2 billion, marking a 15.5 percent growth compared to 2024.
What sectors are involved in the UAE-Türkiye Business Forum?
The forum included sectors such as logistics, energy, technology, agriculture, and healthcare.
What was discussed at the UAE-Türkiye Business Forum?
Discussions focused on maximizing CEPA benefits, expanding trade partnerships, and identifying new investment opportunities.
What is the significance of the memoranda signed at the forum?
The memoranda aim to strengthen cooperation and partnerships between the business communities of the UAE and Turkey.
