The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East. In 2023 our two-way trade was worth $9.94 billion and two-way investment stock worth $20.6 billion. Key Australian exports to the UAE include alumina, meat, oil seeds, and higher education.
On 13 December 2023 Australia and the UAE announced the commencement of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement – a bilateral free trade agreement – that will lay the groundwork for closer economic ties.
Conclusion of the CEPA negotiations was announced on 17 September 2024. The CEPA treaty was signed on 6 November 2024. Entry-into-force will occur in accordance with Australia´s domestic treaty making process.
The CEPA and Investment Agreement were tabled in Parliament on 18 November and are now undergoing scrutiny by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT).
JSCOT is inviting public submissions to the 2 related inquiries until 17 January 2025. Information on the inquiries and how to make a submission are available at:
Information on the Key Benefits for Australia
Stakeholder consultation process
In negotiating CEPA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) consulted widely with a range of stakeholders. A list of submissions received is published below.
DFAT continues to welcome comments and queries from interested stakeholders on CEPA.
DFAT is also seeking submissions to help inform the Australian Government's approach to a potential future resumption of negotiations on an Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement. Further information is available at Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) FTA.
DFAT will continue to provide information and updates on this website as entry-into-force progresses. Requests for additional information can be made by email to UAECEPA@dfat.gov.au.
Submissions received [PDF]
- Aboriginal Carbon Foundation
- AFTINET – Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network
- Amazonia (commercial-in-confidence)
- Animal Medicines Australia
- Australia UAE Business Council
- Australian Aluminium Council
- Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)
- Australian Council of Trade Unions
- Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) (commercial-in-confidence)
- Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) (commercial-in-confidence)
- Australian Grains Industry (commercial-in-confidence)
- Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC)
- Australian Marine Export Industry
- Australian Nut Industry Council
- Australian Olive Association
- Australian Red Meat Industry (commercial-in-confidence)
- Australian Seafood Industry (commercial-in-confidence)
- Australian Sugar Milling Council (commercial-in-confidence)
- Australian Superyachts
- AUSVEG Limited
- Berries Australia Limited (commercial-in-confidence)
- BRJM Investments
- CANEGROWERS
- Consult Australia
- Ego Pharmaceuticals (commercial-in-confidence)
- Fonterra Australia (commercial-in-confidence)
- Go1
- Government of Western Australia
- Group of Eight Australia
- Madsar Tribe Australia
- Monash Private Capital Pty Ltd
- Muhammad Saleem
- Murdoch University
- National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) (commercial-in-confidence)
- OBE Organic (commercial-in-confidence)
- OIF Ventures
- Pacific Road Capital
- Pegasus International Australia
- RSPCA
- Sontext Australia
- Summerfruit Australia Limited
- Universities Australia
- University of Newcastle
- WA Goldsmiths Group
- World Animal Protection