The Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia and the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced to officially kick off their negotiations for the Cambodia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cambodia-UAE CEPA).
The official launch took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Oct. 24 under the presidency of H.E. Pan Sorasak, Cambodian Minister of Commerce, and H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, with the participation of 100 representatives of relevant ministries, chambers of commerce, public and private sectors of both countries.
In his opening speech, H.E. Pan Sorasak laid stress on the significance and benefits of Cambodia-UAE CEPA, adding that the agreement includes negotiations on liberalisation of goods and services, investment promotion and key provisions like e-commerce, trade technical barriers, sanitation and phytosanitation, intellectual property rights, economic and SME cooperation, and so on.
The Cambodia-UAE CEPA will continue strengthening the existing traditional friendship between both countries, and enhance the growing relations between the Arab world and ASEAN, he said, stressing that UAE can be Cambodia’s supply base for the Arab world and likewise Cambodia can be the supply base of the UAE for the entire ASEAN region.
For his part, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said free trade negotiations with Cambodia are part of the UAE’s key strategy to build closer and stronger relations with trade partners around the world. UAE has been making its long-term economic outlook, and building foundation to achieve more growth, opportunities, and successes, he underlined.
H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi also pointed out the importance of Cambodia-UAE CEPA in accelerating goods traffic, ensuring supply chain, and seeking joint venture opportunities for mutual benefits.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press