The United Arab Emirates and Japan have finalized the provisions of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking the first such agreement between Japan and an Arab country.
The announcement was made during the official visit of Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Japan, accompanied by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. The officials met with Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to finalize the agreement.
Presidential letter strengthens bilateral ties
During the visit, UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a written letter to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, emphasizing bilateral cooperation and the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The letter was delivered by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, in a meeting attended by Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi and Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan.
Dr. Sultan conveyed the UAE President’s greetings to the Japanese Prime Minister and his wishes for continued development and prosperity for Japan and its people.
The discussions reaffirmed the successful CEPA conclusion and highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation across economy, energy, technology, AI, space, sustainability, education, and culture, supporting shared interests and sustainable development goals.
Image via WAM | Cropped by GBN
Strategic and economic ties
The CEPA reflects the UAE’s and Japan’s shared commitment to enhancing their long-standing strategic partnership across all sectors, particularly trade and investment.
It is expected to boost trade and investment flows while expanding private sector collaboration in priority industries such as advanced technology, logistics, cybersecurity, healthcare, and education.
The agreement also opens opportunities for collaboration in research and development, innovation, smart mobility, energy security, financial services, and digital transformation.
These areas align with the UAE’s vision to build a knowledge- and innovation-based economy and reinforce the priorities outlined under the UAE-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework signed in 2022.
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
“The successful conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Japan reflects the leadership’s vision to strengthen economic and trade relations and underscores the depth of the strategic partnership between our two countries. It also highlights our shared commitment to promoting innovation, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth. The agreement will open new avenues for cooperation in advanced industries, technology, and resilient supply chains, providing greater opportunities for both our private sectors to boost investment and innovation. By strengthening economic integration between our two nations, the agreement will support the development of future advanced, competitive economies.”
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi noted that, “The positive outcomes of our CEPA negotiations with Japan, one of the world’s largest economies and a key member of the G7, are a significant step forward in enhancing UAE-Japan relations. By removing trade barriers and facilitating increased investment flows, this CEPA will unlock new avenues for our private sectors, fostering lasting partnerships that benefit both countries and contribute to our sustainability goals and shared prosperity.”
The agreement comes amid flourishing UAE-Japan trade relations, with non-oil trade reaching $20.3 billion in 2025, a 16.7 percent increase compared to 2024.
The UAE has established itself as Japan’s top trading partner in the Middle East and Africa, accounting for 39 percent of Japan’s total trade with Arab and African countries.
