UAE and Egypt Advance Efforts to Finalise CEPA Negotiations

Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are moving closer to finalising negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral investment flows and improving overall economic competitiveness, according to Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib.

High-Level Talks to Advance the Partnership Framework

Speaking after talks in Cairo with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, El-Khatib said the discussions focused on recent progress related to the agreement. Both sides reviewed outstanding matters and worked to harmonise their positions to advance shared economic objectives.

Focus on Completing Outstanding Negotiations

El-Khatib stressed that the next phase will require intensified collaboration to resolve the remaining negotiation points. He underlined the need for a well-balanced agreement that safeguards the interests of both countries while laying a solid foundation for deeper economic cooperation.

Key Industrial Sectors Identified for Cooperation

The Egyptian minister highlighted textiles, engineering industries and chemical manufacturing as priority areas for future collaboration. He noted that capitalising on these sectors will require translating opportunities into concrete actions that deliver measurable outcomes.

Discussions also extended to digital trade and trade in services, with El-Khatib reaffirming the government’s full backing for initiatives designed to attract investment and create a more competitive and investor-friendly business environment.

UAE Reaffirms Commitment to Economic Partnership

Al Zeyoudi reiterated the UAE’s strong commitment to advancing its economic partnership with Egypt, emphasising its role in enhancing regional and global competitiveness. He expressed optimism about concluding technical discussions soon and building on existing momentum to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment.

The UAE minister also underscored the importance of private sector participation, pointing to transparency and economic integration as key drivers for sustainable growth and long-term cooperation between the two nations.

Senior Egyptian Officials in Attendance

The meeting brought together a senior Egyptian delegation, including Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for Egyptians Abroad; Minister Plenipotentiary Abdel Aziz El-Sherif, Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service; and Ministers Plenipotentiary Tamer Mostafa and Mohamed Abdullah. Also attending were Iman Rifaat, Head of the Central Administration for WTO Affairs, and Gomaa Madani, Head of the Central Administration for Trade Agreements.

UAE Delegation Highlights

Representing the UAE were Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Cairo; Mohammed Al Ramsi from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; Ayoub Ahli, Director General of Emirates Post; and Waleed Al Khamiri from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.