UAE-Vietnam CEPA enters into force

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Vietnam has officially come into force, with an aim to "unlock investment opportunities in vital sectors such as renewable energy, technology and agriculture".

The agreement will "eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs" on over 90 per cent of UAE exports to Vietnam and 95 per cent on UAE imports from Vietnam.

It will also eliminate barriers to trade, establish a robust framework for enhanced economic cooperation across multiple sectors and deliver improved market access and opportunities for increased private sector collaboration.

Vietnam, an export-led economy, is the UAE’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region with bilateral non-oil trade increasing 4 per cent in 2024 to reach $12.6 billion. In 2025, trade surpassed $16.05 billion, representing a significant 27.4 per cent increase compared to 2024.

As part of the UAE's broader foreign trade agenda and ongoing commitment to expanding its global trade network, the CEPA with Vietnam is integral to achieving the UAE’s target of AED4 trillion (approximately $1.1 trillion) in non-oil trade by 2031.

Since its launch in September 2021, the CEPA programme has successfully concluded agreements with over 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, with 15 now in force, enhancing trade relations and access for UAE businesses to markets that comprise nearly a quarter of the world’s population.