KBS | 3 April 2026

S. Korea-UAE CEPA to take effect May 1

South Korea and the United Arab Emirates(UAE) have agreed to implement their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA) on May 1.

The agreement was reached on Friday during a virtual meeting between Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and his UAE counterpart, Thani Ahmed al-Zeyoudi.

Following the National Assembly’s ratification of the trade deal on Tuesday, the trade ministry notified the UAE of the completion of domestic procedures and has since held consultations to expedite the agreement’s entry into force.

The CEPA marks South Korea’s first free trade agreement with an Arab country in the Middle East.

The deal will gradually eliminate tariffs on 91-point-two percent of goods, including crude oil, over the next ten years, lowering South Korea’s import costs.

In addition, the pact creates a framework for collaboration in sectors such as energy, resources and advanced industries.