Strengthening Ties: UAE-Vietnam Non-Oil Trade Surpasses Billion
In an impressive display of economic collaboration, non-oil trade between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Vietnam reached USD 7.02 billion during the first half of 2025, reflecting a substantial 16.9 percent growth compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This announcement, made by the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, highlights the vibrant economic ties that are not only resilient but also positioned for further expansion.
This upward trajectory in bilateral trade is noteworthy, especially considering that the total volume of trade between the two nations stood at USD 12.6 billion in 2024. This figure represented a modest 4 percent increase over 2023, yet it underscores a remarkable surge of 54.3 percent since 2019, firmly establishing Vietnam as the UAE’s primary non-oil trading partner in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi conveyed this information during a session with the Vietnam Business Council in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the intent of both nations to enhance their cooperative efforts further. A significant catalyst for this cooperation will be the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed in October 2024 but awaits full implementation. This pivotal agreement aims to fortify economic relations, with anticipated benefits arising from reduced tariffs, the elimination of trade barriers, and streamlined customs procedures.
“By lowering tariffs, eliminating trade barriers, and streamlining customs procedures, we are laying the foundation for sustained growth and stronger prosperity,” Dr. Al Zeyoudi remarked. His comments reflect an optimistic outlook on the bilateral economic landscape, bolstered by the evidence of positive outcomes stemming from existing collaborative efforts.
Furthermore, the UAE has taken proactive steps to bolster its investments in Vietnamese infrastructure, particularly in the logistics sector. Notable initiatives include investments in the Saigon Premier Container Terminal located in Ho Chi Minh City, alongside the establishment of new cargo services throughout the Mekong Delta region. This strategic focus on logistics not only facilitates smoother trade flows but also enhances connectivity, which is crucial for economic resilience in both countries.
The UAE’s commitment to ASEAN markets is reinforced by its finalization of similar CEPAs with other member states, including Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia. In total, the UAE’s non-oil trade with ASEAN nations reached USD 37.7 billion in 2024, marking a 4.2 percent increase over the preceding year and an impressive 16.8 percent rise since 2022. This equates to approximately 4.6 percent of the UAE’s total non-oil trade, highlighting the region’s strategic importance to the Emirati economy.
The implications of these burgeoning trade relations extend beyond mere numbers; they signal a deepening economic partnership that can contribute significantly to both countries’ ambitions for economic diversification. For the UAE, which has long depended on oil revenues, fostering strong trade ties with dynamic economies like Vietnam is essential in its efforts to pivot toward a more sustainable and broad-based economic model. Similarly, for Vietnam, enhanced trade relationships with the UAE could translate into increased access to advanced technologies and investment that could spark further economic growth.
As we navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic global economy, the strengthened trade links between the UAE and Vietnam serve as a noteworthy model for international collaboration. Both nations appear poised to reap the benefits of their economic synergy, particularly as they solidify their partnership through frameworks like the CEPA.
The continuation of this positive trend will be closely watched by economists and business leaders alike, as it showcases the potential for mutual benefit in an interconnected world increasingly focused on fostering diverse and resilient supply chains.
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