United Arab Emirates Aims to Finalize Trade Agreement with Chad by End of 2025

ABU DHABI, Nov 10 (Reuters) – The United Arab Emirates is working towards finalizing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with Chad by the end of this year, according to statements made by the Gulf state’s trade minister on Monday. These trade agreements, known as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), are crucial for the UAE’s strategy to diversify its economy and foster long-term growth by reducing reliance on oil. During the UAE-Chad Trade and Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi, Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of the growing bilateral relationship between the two nations. Zeyoudi expressed optimism that the negotiations would be concluded by the end of the year, with discussions progressing towards market access considerations. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Chad currently amounts to $1.9 billion and experienced a growth of over 30% last year. Chad unveiled its national development plan, ‘Chad Connection 2030,’ seeking $30 billion in investments, both public and private, during the event in Abu Dhabi. Finance Minister Tahir Hamid Nguilin stated that the outlook for meeting this investment target was promising, with the UAE expected to be a significant investor in sectors like infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, logistics, and financial services as part of the plan. Zeyoudi highlighted the signing of more than 39 agreements during the forum, with a total value exceeding $6.2 billion if all projects are successfully implemented. He also mentioned that CEPA negotiations are nearing completion with Nigeria and are progressing well with Rwanda. The UAE’s efforts to strengthen economic ties and investment opportunities in Chad are a strategic move to enhance economic cooperation and mutual growth.