In this SCMP article by Tom Hussain, I remarked that the UAE’s CEPAs in Southeast Asia “are formulated as a template that extends well beyond the terms of a regular free-trade agreement”, signalling “a wider diplomatic engagement, touching on softer, if not, strategic sectors such as education, digital cooperation, healthcare”.
Crucially, the CEPAs reflect the pursuit of Abu Dhabi’s goals on a bilateral basis, and outside the purview of the GCC, which does not limit its member states from such one-to-one approaches. Negotiating bilaterally undoubtedly has its benefits, including the ability to dictate the terms and pace of any agreements borne out of the talks. On a broader level, these initiatives support the UAE’s diversification drive not only in terms of its economy and staying head of the GCC pack, but also in terms of its international partnerships across regions.
Link to article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3223827/uae-builds-corridor-opportunity-asean-trade-deals-it-tries-lure-china-investments
Photo: Yuya Uzu, Unsplash
Dr. Clemens Chay 