Canberra, Australia
The Australia UAE Business Council warmly welcomes the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates today.
This historic agreement sets the stage for a new era of collaboration, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses in both nations and strengthening economic, environmental, and cultural ties. Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, signed the CEPA with UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, in Canberra, marking a critical milestone in the long-standing relationship between Australia and the UAE.
Senator Farrell underscored the agreement’s transformative impact: “Our deal delivers for Australian farmers, producers, manufacturers, service providers, exporters, and Australian workers, giving them unprecedented access and preferential treatment when they do business with the UAE.”
The CEPA will eliminate tariffs on over 99% of Australian exports to the UAE and is projected to boost Australian goods exports by $678 million annually. Beyond trade benefits, the agreement includes commitments to address pressing environmental challenges, enhance digital trade, and promote women’s economic empowerment in trade and investment. The CEPA also represents a historic first by including a standalone chapter focused on First Nations trade, creating new commercial opportunities for First Nations businesses in the UAE.
The Hon Christopher Pyne, Co-Chair of the Australia UAE Business Council, emphasised the significance of the CEPA for both nations, saying “This agreement reflects our mutual ambition to deepen trade, drive investment, and strengthen the shared values between Australia and the UAE. It’s an exceptional opportunity for Australian businesses across sectors—from agribusiness to digital services—to expand their global reach, while also reinforcing our shared commitments to sustainability and inclusive growth.”
The Australia UAE Business Council remains committed to fostering partnerships, creating networking opportunities, and advancing the mutual interests of Australian and UAE businesses. The Council eagerly anticipates the new avenues of collaboration and innovation that the CEPA will unlock, bringing substantial benefits to businesses, communities, and economies across both countries.
END
Details on the full package and independent modelling as well as key benefits to Australia are published on the DFAT website.
The Australia UAE Business Council serves as the premier platform for promoting trade and investment between Australia and the UAE. Through high-level networking, advocacy, and strategic initiatives, the Council is dedicated to fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations.
For more information, contact media@ausuaebc.com