Brief
UAE and Thailand finalize CEPA as non‑oil trade jumps 75%
The deal, signed in Bangkok, aims to cut barriers and boost investment across sectors from advanced manufacturing to renewable energy.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United Arab Emirates and Thailand announced the conclusion of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a meeting in Bangkok on 8 October 2026, Gulf News reported.
What happened
UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister‑Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun signed the agreement in the presence of UAE Ambassador Obaid Saeed Al Dhaheri. Bilateral non‑oil trade reached US$12.3 billion in 2025, a 65.2 % rise from the previous year, and hit US$10.2 billion in the first half of 2026 – a 75.4 % increase over the same period in 2025.
What the reports add
The article notes that UAE non‑oil exports to Thailand totaled US$4.5 billion in 2025, driven by gold, aluminium products and other industrial goods, while imports from Thailand were US$7.2 billion. The CEPA is expected to lower trade barriers, improve market access and stimulate investment flows across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, food security, digital trade, renewable energy and precious metals.
What was said
Al Zeyoudi said the conclusion “embodies our shared commitment to building stronger economic bridges between Southeast Asia and the Middle East” and that the agreement will “open new avenues for companies, investors and entrepreneurs in both countries.” He added that the CEPA will reinforce the UAE’s role as a global trade hub. Thai Prime Minister Charnvirakul said the deal will take economic and trade relations “to a new level” and create mutual benefits for private‑sector companies.
Key facts
- UAE and Thailand concluded CEPA negotiations in Bangkok on 8 Oct 2026. (gulfnews.com)
- Bilateral non‑oil trade rose 75.4 % in H1 2026 to US$10.2 billion. (gulfnews.com)
- UAE non‑oil exports to Thailand were US$4.5 billion in 2025; imports were US$7.2 billion. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE and Thailand Finalize CEPA Talks as Non-Oil Trade Soars 75%”
