BANGKOK: Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have concluded negotiations on their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), paving the way for Thailand’s first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country.
BANGKOK: Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have concluded negotiations on their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), paving the way for Thailand’s first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi to Government House yesterday (Oct 8), following the previous day’s talks.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun said the agreement could increase Thailand’s GDP by US$318-357 million and exports by B227-243mn.
The UAE is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs on Thai agricultural products, processed foods, jewelry, electrical appliances, vehicles, and automotive parts, improving access to markets across the Middle East.
Discussions also covered potential UAE investment in Thailand’s energy, food processing, data center, and small and medium-sized enterprise sectors, along with expanded cooperation in medical and wellness tourism.
In 2024, Thailand received 40,872 UAE nationals seeking treatment at private hospitals, generating more than B1.5 billion in revenue.
In 2025, the UAE was Thailand’s eighth-largest trading partner worldwide and its largest in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching $21.26bn.
Thai exports totaled $4.5bn, while imports stood at $16.76bn, mainly comprising oil, natural gas and gold.