On 21 April 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched an online service providing detailed information on the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The major trade deal was signed in February 2022 and enters into force on 1 May 2022. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy (MOEC), the new web portal was launched as part of plans to implement the agreement.
The portal gives access to a copy of the full agreement, and provides summaries of the key clauses of all 18 chapters covering the terms and procedures enabling UAE businesses to improve business in India. It also provides a searchable tariffs database for specific goods and services sectors, including tariff structures, introduction timetables, differential treatments, rules of origin, customs procedures, issues impacting small and medium-size enterprises, and available digital trade options.
Experts have been appointed to respond to CEPA-related inquiries. The ministry will also maintain dialogue with government-owned firms, family business conglomerates and multinational firms, on ongoing tariff reduction and removal, which will ultimately impact 80% of traded products.