EAEU and UAE sign free trade agreement
A signing ceremony for the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held in Minsk. The document concludes more than two and a half years of negotiations and provides for mutual tariff reduction, opening new markets for producers on both sides.
Under the terms of the agreement, the UAE grants duty-free access to 86% of goods exported from EAEU countries. In turn, EAEU member states will open their markets to 85% of goods from the UAE. Experts estimate that reducing the average customs duty on goods from the EAEU from 5% to 0.6% will save exporters and producers over $260 million annually.
The agreement creates favorable conditions for increased trade and stronger bilateral ties. The greatest benefits will be seen by exporters of agricultural products—such as grain, meat, and dairy—as well as industrial goods like metal products, oil, equipment, and machinery. These are traditionally key exports for EAEU countries.
The UAE will gain expanded access to the EAEU market for light industry goods such as perfumes, cosmetics, textiles, and other consumer products. The Emirates also expect to boost exports in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Trade flows between the regions are expected to become more stable and predictable.
The agreement signals the EAEU’s intent to expand its external economic relations and access fast-growing Gulf markets. It also includes provisions on technical regulation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, customs simplification, and protection of intellectual property rights.
The agreement is expected to come into force after the necessary internal procedures are completed. Experts believe it will spur investment and technological cooperation, particularly in logistics, agriculture, energy, and the digital economy.
Both parties emphasize that the partnership is based on mutual benefit and openness. The signing was characterized as a strategic step toward building a sustainable economic bridge between Eurasia and the Middle East.
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