UAE–Jordan CEPA marks new era of economic cooperation

A major economic milestone takes effect on Thursday, as the UAE–Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, officially comes into force.

This landmark deal marks the first CEPA signed between the UAE and an Arab nation, aimed at boosting trade, investment and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Officials expect the agreement to raise bilateral non-oil trade to over $8 billion by 2032. In 2024, trade between the two countries already reached $5.62 billion, reflecting a 34 per cent year-on-year increase.

The agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers and open new doors for collaboration in key sectors such as energy, logistics, tourism and pharmaceuticals.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, says the deal ushers in a new era of economic cooperation and shared growth with Jordan, a long-standing partner.

The UAE’s CEPA programme plays a central role in the country’s plan to double its economy to $800 billion by 2030 and achieve over $1.1 trillion in total non-oil trade value by 2031.

With 27 concluded agreements, the CEPA programme expands access for UAE businesses to over a quarter of the world's population.