The recent signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marks a significant milestone in the relationship between our two nations.
The CEPA will deliver significant benefits by:
- Eliminating tariffs on over 99% of Australian goods exports to the UAE, increasing competitiveness across the board, including in key sectors like agriculture, resources, and advanced manufacturing.
- Creating new opportunities for services trade in education, health, financial services, and consulting.
- Attracting UAE investment into priority Australian sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and agribusiness.
- Strengthening digital trade, enabling seamless e-commerce and data-driven solutions.
With Australia’s competitors also pursuing agreements with the UAE, the CEPA is essential to maintain and grow our market share and competitiveness.
Negotiations on the terms of the agreement have concluded, and the CEPA was officially signed by both governments on 6 November 2024.
JSCOT Inquiry
Under Australia’s treaty-making process, treaties must be reviewed by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) through an inquiry, before a treaty can be ratified and enter into force. When a committee conducts an inquiry, it will try and find out the facts of a case or issue, gather and sift through evidence provided to it in writing or in person, and will draw conclusions which will be published in a report. This important process offers businesses, organisations, and individuals an opportunity to make their voices heard.
JSCOT has announced that they are undertaking an inquiry into the Australia-UAE CEPA, and are seeking public submissions related to any or all aspects relevant to stakeholders’ areas of interest and expertise.
More information about the CEPA and the benefits to Australia, are published in the National Interest Analysis on the Committee’s webpage.
How You Can Support the CEPA
A strong show of support from stakeholders will demonstrate the importance of the CEPA to Australia’s economic growth and competitiveness.
The Australia UAE Business Council encourages stakeholders make a submission to the Committee, highlighting the importance of the CEPA to business and industry. Your input will demonstrate widespread support and help drive this agreement forward. Submissions to the committee close on 17 January 2025.
Key Tips for Making a Submission:
- Prepare Your Submission:
- Outline your support for CEPA.
- Highlight the benefits to your business, industry, and the broader Australian economy.
- Mention specific areas of trade, investment, or cooperation that will benefit from the agreement (e.g., tariff reductions, market access, investment facilitation).
- Structure:
- Brief introduction to your business/organisation.
- A clear statement of support for CEPA.
- Examples of how CEPA will benefit your business or sector.
- Lodging Your Submission:
- Upload your submission to the My Parliament portal before 17 January 2025.
- If you do not already have a My Parliament account, you will need to create one.
Sample Submission Outline
Below is a template that you may wish to adapt for your submission. We recommend using an official company letterhead for the submission, if possible.
[Date]
Committee Secretary
Joint Standing Committee on Treaties
PO Box 6021
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
[Your Organisation Name] strongly supports the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the UAE. As an organisation operating in [sector/industry], the CEPA will provide significant opportunities through tariff elimination, improved market access, and enhanced investment flows.
[Provide specific examples of how your business will benefit, e.g., reduced tariffs on agricultural exports, greater access to UAE markets for education or consulting services, or opportunities for renewable energy investment.]
This agreement will enable Australian businesses to remain competitive in the UAE, support economic diversification, and create long-term partnerships in a key regional hub.
We urge the Australian Government to implement the CEPA as a matter of priority to deliver tangible benefits to Australian businesses and the broader economy.
Regards
[Signature & Name]
[Contact details]
For detailed information about how to write a submission, the Parliament of Australia has provided a useful guide, available online here.