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Trade Deal Talks Concluded Between UAE and Thailand

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1 hour ago

October 9, 2026

Shorya

Thailand has reached a deal with the UAE on a CEPA. This is Thailand’s first free trade agreement with a country in the Middle East region. In Bangkok, the Ministers of Foreign Trade of both countries, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, attended the meeting to make the announcement.

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Bilateral Trade Records Strong Growth

The UAE-Thailand trade agreement follows a significant growth of trade between the two countries. The value of non-oil trade in the first six months of the 2026 tally amounted to $10.2 billion, a 75.4% rise from the corresponding period of 2025.

Overall trade, including trade in energy commodities, registered a trade value of $21.26 billion, whereas non-oil trade registered a value of $12.3 billion as of 2025. Refined gold, aluminium, and industrial goods were the leading commodities exported from UAE to Thailand through which the value of the export has reached $4.5 billion.

Agreement Targets Key Growth Sectors

CEPA’s objective is to lessen barriers to trade, cut customs tariffs and facilitate cross-border investment. Key areas are geared around food security, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, digital trade and precious metals. The deal may boost the regional supply chain and give a boost to the UAE’s status as a gateway for businesses from Thailand that want to reach markets in Africa and Europe.

Formal Signing and Implementation Ahead

Final negotiations have taken place, bringing progress towards partnership formalisation. Prior to the signing and ratification both governments will conduct legal examinations and technical matters.

With the agreement in place, it is hoped that it will bring new opportunities for businesses, attract investment and advance commercial relations between Southeast Asia and the Gulf. The UAE called it a part of the UAE’s plans to diversify the country’s trade and bolster its efforts to forge new economic agreements with the world.