Minister Of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi Discusses UAE-Vietnam Cooperation Opportunities

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, recently engaged with the Vietnam Business Council in the UAE. The focus was on maximising benefits from the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in October 2024. This agreement is expected to enhance trade relations between the two nations significantly.

The UAE and Vietnam have seen a notable increase in bilateral non-oil trade. In the first half of 2025, trade reached US$7.02 billion, marking a 16.9% rise compared to the same period in 2024. This growth also reflects a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6.4%. The upward trend began in 2024 when trade grew by 4% to US$12.6 billion, a significant rise of 54.3% since 2019.

Al Zeyoudi highlighted Vietnam's importance as a trading partner within ASEAN for the UAE. He stated that both countries are committed to fostering mutual growth by expanding opportunities for private sectors through CEPA. "Both the UAE and Vietnam are dedicated to achieving mutual growth by expanding opportunities for our private sectors," he said.

The minister emphasised that CEPA aims to open new markets for exporters and improve access to global supply chains. He noted that both nations must work together to fully utilise its potential, building on existing strong business foundations.

Al Zeyoudi pointed out ongoing collaborations, such as supporting Vietnam’s logistics infrastructure, including Saigon’s Premier Container Terminal in Ho Chi Minh City and new cargo services across the Mekong Delta. "We are already seeing the benefits of close collaboration," he added.

The UAE is committed to further developing bilateral trade with Vietnam and increasing investment avenues to support industrial development. The minister expressed optimism about future investments and prosperity resulting from these efforts.

ASEAN Trade Relations

The UAE has established strong economic ties with ASEAN countries through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These agreements have boosted non-oil foreign trade with ASEAN nations to US$37.7 billion in 2024, reflecting a growth of 4.2% compared to 2023 and an increase of 16.8% from 2022.

In 2024, ASEAN countries accounted for 4.6% of the UAE's total non-oil trade globally and represented 11.3% of its trade with non-Arab Asian countries.

This strategic partnership underscores the UAE's commitment to strengthening economic ties within Asia, leveraging agreements like CEPA for broader market access and enhanced trade relations.

With inputs from WAM