Vietnam-UAE CEPA to boost exports to Middle East and Africa

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to expand Vietnamese export opportunities into the Middle East and Africa. According to a seminar held by the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the UAE serves as a strategic logistics and commercial hub for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Effective as of February 3, 2026, the agreement includes commitments from the UAE to immediately eliminate tariffs on 74.2% of product lines, with that figure expected to rise to 89.2% after five years of implementation. This provides a significant competitive advantage for Vietnamese goods.

Experts warn that businesses must navigate strict market requirements to succeed. Key considerations include adhering to rules of origin, obtaining proper certificates of origin (C/O), meeting quality and food safety standards, and securing Halal certification recognized by UAE authorities. Success will also depend on establishing professional distribution channels in a market where the non-oil sector accounts for approximately 77% of the UAE's GDP.