Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived at Carondelet Palace in Quito for official talks with Daniel Noboa, marking a significant step in advancing bilateral economic relations.
The visit culminated in the announcement of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reinforcing trade and investment ties between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador.
CEPA to Boost Trade and Investment
The CEPA framework aims to reduce tariffs and remove barriers to bilateral trade. Consequently, it is expected to enhance market access and strengthen public-private sector collaboration across priority industries.
Key focus sectors include clean and renewable energy, advanced technology, mining, logistics and agriculture. Moreover, the agreement seeks to promote food security cooperation and sustainable agriculture initiatives, while supporting broader economic diversification strategies.
Non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately US$373.6 million in 2025, reflecting notable year-on-year growth. Therefore, the CEPA is positioned to accelerate trade volumes and expand cross-border investment flows in the coming years.
Strategic Agreements and Investment Pipeline
Alongside the CEPA, multiple cooperation agreements were announced. A cooperation framework between the UAE Ministry of Investment and Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries will explore investment opportunities across priority sectors.
In addition, EDGE Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Ecuador’s Ministry of National Defense under a joint programme valued at US$250 million. The initiative will focus on advancing surveillance systems and enhancing border protection capabilities.
Separately, the UAE Accountability Authority and Ecuador’s Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control agreed on a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in governance, transparency and anti-corruption frameworks.
Development projects and cooperation agreements exceeding US$3 billion are currently under discussion. As a result, the investment pipeline signals expanding economic engagement across infrastructure, technology and strategic industries.
Expanding Latin American Trade Network
Ecuador becomes the fourth Latin American country to conclude a CEPA with the UAE, following agreements with Costa Rica, Chile and Colombia.
Negotiations are also under way with Peru to finalise a similar agreement. Accordingly, the expanding CEPA network underscores the UAE’s strategy to deepen trade integration across South America while broadening its global economic partnerships.
