UAE expands partnerships, opens investment in Latin America

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UAE expands partnerships, opens investment opportunities in Latin America

December 28, 2025

ABU DHABI,— The United Arab Emirates is expanding its economic and investment partnerships with key global markets, aiming to boost trade, increase investment flows, and support sustainable growth, the Emirates News Agency WAM reported.

Officials say the UAE is focused on diversifying its economic partners and strengthening ties with emerging markets, including countries in Latin America.

In 2025, several Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, or CEPAs, with Latin American nations came into effect, creating new opportunities for trade and investment.

One of the most significant agreements is the CEPA with the Republic of Costa Rica, which took effect on April 1, 2025. The deal is designed to reduce or eliminate customs duties, simplify trade in goods and services, and expand investment opportunities for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

The CEPA with the Republic of Chile also entered into force in November 2025, following its signing in July 2024. The agreement is intended to increase non-oil trade and encourage mutual investments in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, logistics, food security, and technology.

Negotiations are ongoing with other countries in the region, including the Republic of Peru, to establish similar agreements.

Karla Flores, director of InvestChile, said the implementation of the UAE-Chile CEPA represents a significant step forward in bilateral economic relations.

In remarks to WAM, she said the agreement is expected to accelerate interest from UAE companies and sovereign wealth funds in Chilean investment projects and increase foreign direct investment from the UAE in the coming years.

Flores added that the UAE is a key economic partner for Chile in the Gulf region. She noted the agreement builds on existing frameworks, including a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in effect since 2023 and a Customs Cooperation Agreement from 2024. According to Flores, these measures strengthen investor confidence and support a stable business environment.

She said the CEPA goes beyond tariff reductions by providing an integrated framework to promote investment, develop value chains, and facilitate dialogue between governments and the private sector, aiming for long-term economic and developmental outcomes.

(With files from WAM)