UAE and Benin agree to trade deal in Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates and Benin have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Abu Dhabi, signaling a new era of trade and investment cooperation between the two nations. The ceremony, held on Sunday, was attended by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Benin's President Romuald Wadagni. The agreement, to be ratified in the future, aims to lower or eliminate customs duties on various goods, remove trade barriers, and enhance market access for service providers and investors.

This move comes amid a surge in bilateral trade, with non-oil trade between the two countries growing to $2.15 billion in 2025, a 65% increase from the previous year and more than double the amount recorded in 2021. The trade momentum has persisted into 2026, with non-oil trade between the nations reaching $1.29 billion in the first half of the year, a 37.4% year-on-year increase.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed described the agreement as a "significant milestone" in bilateral relations, emphasizing that it reflects a shared commitment to long-term development goals, creating new opportunities for businesses, bolstering economic resilience, and promoting prosperity and stability in the region. Benin's President Romuald Wadagni underscored the agreement's significance in advancing mutual sustainable development objectives.