Notice of Intent to enter into negotiations toward a Canada-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Dear Members of Parliament:

In accordance with the enhanced transparency requirements set out in the amended Policy on Tabling of Treaties in Parliament, I am pleased to notify the House of Commons of the government’s intent to initiate negotiations toward a Canada-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Government of Canada intends to commence negotiations with the United Arab Emirates no earlier than 90 days from the date of this notice.

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing international trade and investment opportunities in order to drive economic growth and create good jobs for Canadians. Accordingly, Canada is working to strengthen trade with reliable partners around the world, and to double Canadian exports to non-U.S. markets, which will generate $300 billion more in trade. By pursuing bilateral negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, the Government of Canada will accelerate Canada’s growing trade ties with this partner and the region, consistent with Canada’s focus on reliable partnerships and predictable, rules-based trade.

The economic relationship between Canada and the United Arab Emirates presents significant opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties and unlock new potential for growth. Overall, merchandise trade is balanced and complementary. In 2024, Canada’s two-way trade with the United Arab Emirates was valued at $3.4 billion. Canadian exports were valued at $2.6 billion, including farm, fishing and intermediate food products, motor vehicles and parts, and aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts. Imports from the United Arab Emirates were valued at almost $800 million, including metal and non-metallic mineral products, and building and packaging materials, and consumer goods.

The Government of Canada will soon initiate public consultations. Canadians will be invited, via a Canada Gazette notice and publication on the Global Affairs Canada webpage, to submit their views on a potential Canada-United Arab Emirates CEPA and related economic, social, and environmental impacts. Through this process, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and individual Canadians will provide input and feedback.

In accordance with the Policy on Tabling of Treaties in Parliament, Canada’s negotiating objectives for a Canada-United Arab Emirates CEPA will be tabled in the House of Commons no later than 30 days before Canada commences negotiations with the United Arab Emirates. Should CEPA negotiations be successfully concluded, the government will also table the final agreement and an accompanying economic impact assessment in the House of Commons.

I look forward to working closely and transparently with Parliament in advance of and throughout the negotiations for a Canada-United Arab Emirates CEPA.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, P.C., M.P.