ABU DHABI: Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed the Malaysia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment and economic cooperation between both countries.
The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and UAE President and Abu Dhabi Ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.Anwar said Malaysia’s first free trade agreement with a Gulf Cooperation Council member country was expected to be a catalyst for stronger trade and investment relations not only between Malaysia and the UAE but also with other Gulf countries.
“The Malaysia-UAE CEPA will open opportunities for a deeper economic cooperation, including tariff elimination as well as enhanced market access.
“This will drive exports and create new investment opportunities for key sectors,” he added in a statement.
Earlier, as part of his three-day working visit to the UAE, Anwar paid a courtesy call on the UAE President, Bernama reported.
The Prime Minister said long-term investments involving healthcare, airport operations and energy sectors were expected following his working visit to the UAE.In a post on X, he said the strong synergy between Malaysia and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) reflected confidence in the country’s potential for sustainable and competitive economic growth.
“ADIA comes together with other global investment partners to explore various investment opportunities available in Malaysia.
It is not impossible for long-term investments to be injected, including in the healthcare, airport operations and energy sectors,” he wrote.
This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to the UAE since October 2023.
His visit is at the invitation of UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.
