UAE, Central African Republic explore ways to advance trade partnerships

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra have explored ways to reach the objectives of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a phone call.

Signed on March 6 when Touadéra was in the UAE on a working visit, the CEPA aims to boost bilateral trade between the two countries beyond AED3.67 billion over the next five to seven years.

The leaders also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across vital sectors including renewable energy and infrastructure and covered a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, the national news agency Wam reported.

In March, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said the agreement offered a high level of trade liberalisation, allowing both sides to remove more than 98 per cent of tariff on export goods.