UAE and Ecuador Sign Historic CEPA Agreement

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador, have announced the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador.

The announcement was made during the Crown Prince’s official visit to Ecuador at the Carondelet Palace in Quito. An official reception ceremony was held, where the national anthems of both countries were performed.

$3 Billion Investment Discussions

Along with the CEPA signing, both nations confirmed that investment projects worth more than $3 billion are currently under discussion. These investments reflect the growing strength of UAE–Ecuador relations and aim to open new opportunities across key sectors.

A cooperation agreement was also announced between the UAE Ministry of Investment and Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments, and Fisheries. The agreement will focus on exploring investment opportunities in priority sectors of mutual interest.

$250 Million Defence and Security Cooperation

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between EDGE Group and Ecuador’s Ministry of National Defence. The joint programme is valued at $250 million and will focus on improving security infrastructure, upgrading surveillance systems, and strengthening border protection capabilities.

Focus on Key Sectors

During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in important areas, including:

• Food security and sustainable agriculture

• Clean and renewable energy

• Advanced technology

• Mining

• Logistics

The CEPA aims to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and strengthen partnerships between public and private sectors in both countries.

Growing Trade Relations

The UAE is one of Ecuador’s key trading partners in the Arab region and Africa. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately $373.6 million in 2025, showing significant growth compared to previous years.

Ecuador has now become the fourth Latin American country to sign a CEPA with the UAE. The other countries include:

• Colombia (April 2024)

• Costa Rica (April 2025)

• Chile (November 2025)

The UAE is also currently negotiating a similar agreement with Peru as part of its plan to expand its trade partnership network in Latin America.

The UAE–Ecuador CEPA marks a major step forward in strengthening economic cooperation, boosting trade, and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.