Ukraine approves free trade agreement with UAE
The New Voice of Ukraine | 30 April 2025
Ukraine approves free trade agreement with UAE
Ukraine’s Cabinet approved a bill to ratify a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, establishing a free trade regime to boost Ukrainian exports, the Economy Ministry announced on April 29.
The agreement liberalizes access to markets for goods and services, ensuring full access for Ukrainian products to the UAE market.
"The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the UAE improves opportunities for Ukrainian business in the global market, as the UAE is an important economic, trade and financial hub in the Middle East," said Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
The agreement, covering nearly all bilateral trade goods, will drive Ukrainian production and exports by reducing tariff barriers.
Key sectors expected to benefit include metallurgy, food processing, flour milling, and oil production, according to the ministry. The UAE also lifted restrictions on foreign capital ownership for Ukraine, allowing Ukrainian entrepreneurs to register companies with up to 70% foreign capital, and in some sectors, gradually up to 100%.
The agreement facilitates digital trade by eliminating duties on digital and electronic data transfers, including electronic content.
It will not apply to Ukrainian territories under foreign occupation until full control is restored.
The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 17, 2025, by Svyrydenko for Ukraine and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, in the presence of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
It will take effect 60 days after both parties confirm completion of domestic procedures, marking Ukraine’s first trade agreement with a Persian Gulf nation, the ministry said.
