Canada, UAE conclude free trade agreement talks to deepen trade and investment ties
Toronto: Canada and the United Arab Emirates have concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a major step toward a bilateral free trade deal aimed at expanding trade, investment and market access between the two countries.
Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi announced the conclusion of negotiations in Toronto on Friday, about eight months after talks were launched during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to the UAE in November 2025.
Once implemented, the agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, reduce trade barriers, improve supply chain resilience and create new commercial opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries, the Canadian government said.
"The successful conclusion of Canada-UAE CEPA negotiations reflects our shared economic ambition and will lead to new opportunities for Canadian and UAE businesses and workers," Sidhu said in a statement.
Al Zeyoudi described the agreement as "a defining chapter" in bilateral relations, saying it would accelerate trade by opening markets and reducing barriers.
The ministers also discussed broader trade and investment cooperation, with Sidhu highlighting Canada's efforts to diversify its trading relationships and promote the country as a destination for international investment. Al Zeyoudi invited Sidhu to visit the UAE with a Canadian business delegation to explore further commercial opportunities.
Sidhu also met Canadian business leaders and members of a UAE business delegation at a roundtable hosted by the Canada-UAE Business Council, where he reaffirmed support for companies seeking to expand operations in each other's markets.
The Canadian government said the negotiations were among the fastest trade agreement talks it has completed, underscoring Ottawa's strategy of diversifying export markets beyond traditional trading partners.
The UAE is Canada's largest export market in the Middle East. Bilateral merchandise trade reached C$3.5 billion in 2025, while Canadian merchandise exports to the UAE rose nearly 10% from the previous year after increasing 24% between 2023 and 2024. Bilateral commercial services trade was valued at C$445 million in 2024, according to the government.
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