UAE, Argentina launch CEPA negotiations

The UAE and Argentina have announced the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a new step in efforts to deepen trade and investment relations.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York following talks between Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Pablo Quirno, Argentina's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation and increasing bilateral trade and investment flows.

The proposed agreement is expected to create new opportunities across a range of sectors, including energy, mining, artificial intelligence, data centres, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, aerospace, tourism, infrastructure, real estate and urban development.

The UAE and Argentina also highlighted the strategic partnership between YPF and XRG as an example of the high-impact investments they hope to encourage through closer economic collaboration.

The partnership is part of the wider Argentina LNG project, which is expected to attract around $51 billion in investment over the course of its development.

The two countries said they aim to fast-track CEPA negotiations and conclude an ambitious agreement that expands market access and supports long-term economic growth.