UAE and Canada Sign Landmark Economic Partnership as Sheikh Khaled Meets PM Carney

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Wednesday as the two nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) to reduce trade barriers and open new investment channels.

The signing was witnessed by both leaders. UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi and Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu put their names to the agreement, which had been finalised in July. Sheikh Khaled said the deal underlined the strength of bilateral relations and that the UAE would continue working with Canada to support private sector growth and innovation.

The Cepa is expected to give Canadian companies broader access to the UAE, the largest market for Canadian exports in the Middle East, while attracting capital into sectors including energy, mining, artificial intelligence and ports. It follows a $50 billion investment commitment announced during Mr Carney’s visit to the UAE in November. Under a separate investment framework, Emirati and Canadian firms have already driven C$21.1 billion (US$15 billion) in trade.

Beyond trade, Sheikh Khaled and Mr Carney discussed deepening co-operation in defence, diplomacy, renewable energy, mining, logistics and sovereign wealth fund investment, according to Abu Dhabi Media Office. Talks also covered artificial intelligence, aviation, food security, infrastructure and logistics, with both sides assessing ways to advance business community links and joint projects.

Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by a senior UAE delegation including Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation; Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi; and Mohamed Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment. The visit came weeks after President Sheikh Mohamed spoke by phone with Mr Carney to explore deeper partnerships focused on economy, investment and advanced technology. Sheikh Khaled also attended an official dinner banquet hosted by Mr Carney.