UAE in talks to join trans-Pacific trade bloc
The UAE and the 12-nation Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) are to begin talks on the Gulf state’s entry into the trade bloc.
CPTPP officials have been authorised to start preparatory discussions with the UAE, the Philippines and Indonesia, the group said in a statement.
The proposal to include the three countries was discussed by the CPTPP in November 2025.
CPTPP members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
“We intend to meet again in 2026 to consider further decisions on accessions, as appropriate,” the CPTPP said. The group’s administrative chair rotates annually, with Vietnam holding the role in 2026.
The UAE officially joined the expanded Brics bloc in January 2024 and has several free trade agreements aimed at boosting its global commerce.
The UAE’s trade in goods and services rose 15 percent to AED6 trillion ($1.6 trillion) in 2025, helped by an expanding network of 35 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements. The programme includes major economies such as India, Turkey, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Further reading:
- UAE-New Zealand Cepa expected to triple trade
- UAE says trade talks with Japan and EU making progress
- James Drummond: Brics is losing its lustre
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