Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Azerbaijan and the UAE
On 9 July 2025, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates.
The CEPA consists of 18 chapters and their respective annexes. The Agreement provides an important foundation for economic diversification and enhanced prosperity, as well as for sustainable, knowledge- and innovation-driven economic development that responds to modern challenges.
Under the Agreement, market access for trade in goods and services is expanded, and tariffs are eliminated on more than 90% of the product nomenclature traded between the parties. In addition, customs procedures are simplified, requirements related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures are facilitated, and clear rules of origin are established.
It should be noted that a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a broad-based trade agreement aimed at deepening economic cooperation and integration between partner countries. Unlike traditional free trade agreements, a CEPA is not limited to reducing or eliminating tariffs on goods; it also encompasses cooperation in areas such as trade in services, investment, intellectual property, the digital economy, innovation, and other sectors. The main objectives of such agreements are to increase mutual trade and investment flows, expand market access opportunities, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and foster a more favorable and transparent business environment.
