Toronto | EcoPulse24

The United Arab Emirates and Canada have successfully concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a major milestone in bilateral economic relations and setting the stage for deeper trade, investment and private-sector cooperation.

The agreement, whose final provisions were completed in what both countries described as record time, reflects the shared commitment of their leadership to elevate economic ties. According to the UAE, the negotiations became the fastest completed among the 38 CEPAs concluded under the country's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement program launched in September 2021.

The announcement was made during an official meeting in Toronto between Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade, as part of an Emirati delegation's official visit to Canada.

Fastest Trade Negotiations on Record

Al Zeyoudi said the successful conclusion of negotiations demonstrates the strength of the strategic relationship between the two countries and reflects a shared vision to build a stronger, more resilient and sustainable economic partnership.

He said the momentum generated by high-level engagement between the leadership of both nations significantly accelerated negotiations, making the UAE-Canada CEPA the fastest agreement concluded under the UAE's CEPA program.

The minister added that the agreement will create new opportunities for businesses in both countries while strengthening cooperation across future-focused industries including clean energy, advanced technology, data centers, agriculture and food security, aviation and critical minerals.

According to Al Zeyoudi, the agreement will also expand private-sector participation, improve reciprocal market access, strengthen supply chains and promote innovation, generating long-term economic value for both economies.

Canada Sees Gateway to Regional Markets

Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu described the agreement as Canada's fastest-ever completed trade negotiation since talks began only last month.

He said the CEPA will provide Canadian companies with greater access to the UAE as a regional commercial hub, helping exporters expand into global markets while encouraging Emirati investment in projects supporting Canada's long-term economic priorities.

Sidhu added that the agreement reflects the growing partnership between both countries and is expected to deliver lasting benefits for businesses, workers and communities.

Lower Tariffs and Expanded Market Access

The agreement lays the foundation for a new phase of bilateral economic cooperation through lower tariffs, broader market access and expanded opportunities for private-sector investment.

Priority sectors include:

• Aviation

• Agriculture and food industries

• Seafood

• Clean energy

• Data centers

• Critical minerals

• Aerospace

• Aluminum and steel industries

Officials also expect the agreement to encourage billions of dollars in investment into major projects, including ports, mining operations, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, data centers and critical mineral developments.

Bilateral Trade Continues to Grow

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Canada reached approximately $4.2 billion in 2025, representing 21% year-over-year growth, underscoring the expanding commercial relationship prior to the conclusion of the agreement.

The two countries have previously signed a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which has supported long-term industrial partnerships, attracted capital into major projects and contributed to job creation.

The UAE said its CEPA program has now reached 38 partner countries, reinforcing its broader foreign trade strategy.

By expanding market access and strengthening trade and investment flows with high-growth economies, the UAE aims to more than double the size of its economy to over $800 billion by 2031, following the achievement of $1 trillion in total trade six years ahead of its original target.

Agreement at a Glance

Strategic Cooperation Areas

EcoPulse24 Analysis

The UAE-Canada CEPA represents another step in the UAE's strategy of rapidly expanding its global network of preferential trade agreements. Completing negotiations in record time highlights the political commitment on both sides to accelerate economic integration despite a complex global trade environment.

For the UAE, Canada offers access to advanced industrial capabilities, critical minerals, aerospace expertise and clean-energy technologies, all of which align closely with the objectives of the "We the UAE 2031" agenda and the country's long-term industrial strategy.

For Canada, the agreement strengthens access to one of the Middle East's largest trade and logistics hubs. The UAE's position as a gateway connecting Asia, Africa and Europe is expected to enhance Canadian exporters' regional reach while attracting Emirati capital into strategic Canadian infrastructure and resource projects.

Although the agreement's full economic impact will depend on its implementation and eventual ratification, the combination of tariff reductions, broader market access and enhanced investment protection is expected to deepen bilateral trade, encourage private-sector participation and support cross-border investment across high-growth sectors over the coming years.