President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in a phone conversation with Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the President of the Central African Republic, to discuss advancing trade partnerships. This dialogue focused on the objectives outlined in the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed on March 6 during Touadéra’s working visit to the UAE.

The CEPA aims to significantly increase bilateral trade between the UAE and the Central African Republic, targeting a trade volume exceeding AED3.67 billion over the next five to seven years. The two leaders also explored opportunities for enhancing cooperation in critical sectors such as renewable energy and infrastructure, as well as addressing various regional and international issues of shared interest, according to the national news agency Wam.

In March, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted that the agreement facilitates a high level of trade liberalization, which will enable both nations to eliminate tariffs on more than 98 percent of export goods. This move is expected to further strengthen economic ties and promote mutual growth.