The United Arab Emirates is continuing to expand its global network of economic and investment partnerships as part of its strategy to strengthen investment flows, diversify trade, and support sustainable economic growth. A key focus of this approach is deepening cooperation with emerging markets, including Latin America, as the UAE broadens its portfolio of international economic partners.
In 2025, several Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements between the UAE and Latin American countries entered into force, aimed at facilitating trade and encouraging mutual investment. Among the most notable is the CEPA with Costa Rica, which took effect on April 1, 2025, and seeks to reduce or eliminate customs duties, ease trade in goods and services, and expand investment opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The CEPA with Chile also entered into force in November 2025, following its signing in July 2024. The agreement is expected to boost non-oil trade and promote investments in priority sectors such as infrastructure, energy, logistics, food security, and technology. The UAE is also pursuing similar agreements with other countries in the region, including Peru, as part of its broader Latin America engagement.
Karla Flores, Director of InvestChile, described the agreement as a milestone in UAE–Chile economic relations, noting that it is expected to stimulate interest from UAE companies and sovereign wealth funds. She highlighted that the CEPA builds on existing frameworks, including double taxation avoidance and customs cooperation agreements, and provides a comprehensive platform to promote investment, strengthen value chains, and foster long-term public and private sector collaboration.
