Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement of Serbia and UAE comes into force – Elimination and reduction of customs duties for over 96% of tariff lines

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Serbia officially came into force on June 1.

According to the Arab media, the agreement signed in October last year marks a significant milestone in the deepening of economic ties between the two nations and is set to foster enhanced trade and investment flows, paving the way for collaboration across a wide variety of priority sectors.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the CEPA’s implementation. – The activation of the UAE-Serbia CEPA heralds a new chapter in our economic relations, creating new avenues for collaboration, investment and trade that will benefit both our nations. Through this agreement we are committed to unlocking significant opportunities that will create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and facilitate a thriving environment for businesses in both countries – said Zeyoudi, as reported by Eye of Riyadh.

The UAE-Serbia CEPA aims to boost bilateral non-oil trade, which reached approximately USD 121.4 million in 2024, double the level of trade when compared to 2021, with projections indicating a substantial increase in bilateral trade that will contribute USD 351 million to UAE GDP by 2031.

This growth is anticipated through the elimination and reduction of custom duties for over 96% of tariff lines, thereby enhancing market access and fostering a more conducive environment for private sector collaboration.
Some sectors expected to see the most growth include:

– Energy: Serbia can supply energy resources to the UAE and collaborate on renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power.
– Agriculture: Serbia’s fertile land produces fruits, vegetables, and meat products that the UAE imports. The deal can reduce costs and increase agricultural exports.
– Manufacturing: Serbian factories can export machinery, electronics, and industrial goods to the UAE market.
– Tourism: Easier travel and cooperation agreements will boost tourism in both directions, benefiting hotels, airlines, and local businesses.
– Technology: Both countries plan to support startups and innovation hubs to develop new digital solutions and tech services.


The Arab media say that Serbia is an important partner for the UAE, with its diverse economy and strategic location providing a vital gateway into Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The CEPA is expected to not only enhance trade but also increase private sector collaboration and promote investments in priority sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, and technology.

It is also added that the UAE is Serbia’s leading trading partner in the GCC, accounting for approximately 55% of its total trade with the region in 2023.

– The bilateral relationship has been further strengthened by increasing flows of FDI, which has been directed towards high-growth sectors, enhancing shared economic interests. With the CEPA now ratified and officially in force, both nations can leverage the agreement to foster economic growth and create opportunities that will benefit their citizens – writes Eye of Riyadh.

The CEPA program is a cornerstone of the UAE's strategic growth objectives, aiming to increase total non-oil trade to USD 1.1 trillion by 2031 and doubling the size of the economy to USD 800 billion by 2031.

The UAE-Serbia CEPA is the 10th to come into force, with 27 in total having been concluded so far with countries spanning the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, South America and Europe.

Andrijana Mesarovic, Minister of Economy of Serbia, stated in March at the session of the Assembly of Serbia that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE would secure a marked of over 10 million citizens for Serbian products.

– The agreement envisages the elimination of customs duties on over 60 percent of the tariff lines when it comes into effect, and within three years, in phases, customs duties on another 15 percent of the tariff lines will be removed, and within five years, another 16 percent. Less than four percent of the tariff lines will be exempt for the liberalization – she said at the time, as reported by the Beta news agency.

Mesarovic also said that the agreement would considerably improve the total economic cooperation between Serbia and the UAE and create the possibility for establishing joint production in certain fields, as well as a growth of mutual investments, especially an increase in investments from the UAE to Serbia.

B. P.

Privredna komora Srbije

Ministarstvo unutrašnje i spoljne trgovine Republike Srbije

Ambasada UAE Beograd

UAE Ministry for Foreign Trade

Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

CEPA Serbia UAE

customs duties

elimination and reduction of customs duties

trade agreement with UAE