UAE–Ecuador CEPA Signed to Boost Renewable & Clean Energy, Tech and $3 Billion Investments

Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, arrived at Carondelet Palace for an official visit to Ecuador, where he was received with a ceremonial welcome. National anthems of the United Arab Emirates and the Ecuador were performed, followed by a guard of honour review alongside Ecuador’s President.

During talks with Daniel Noboa, the Crown Prince conveyed greetings from Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and extended best wishes for Ecuador’s continued development and prosperity. President Noboa welcomed the visit, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties, and asked that his greetings be conveyed to the UAE leadership.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation across priority sectors, including food security, sustainable agriculture, clean and renewable energy, advanced technology, and mutual investments aimed at supporting economic diversification in both countries.

Following the meeting, the two sides formally announced the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement seeks to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and deepen public- and private-sector collaboration in key sectors such as clean energy, mining, logistics, advanced technology, and agriculture.

In parallel, several cooperation agreements were unveiled. These include a partnership between the UAE Ministry of Investment and Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries to explore investment opportunities in priority sectors.

A separate memorandum of understanding was signed between EDGE Group and Ecuador’s Ministry of National Defence to enhance security infrastructure under a joint programme valued at US$250 million, focusing on surveillance systems and border protection capabilities.

Additionally, the UAE Accountability Authority and Ecuador’s Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in combating corruption and promoting governance, integrity, and transparency in the public sector.

Officials noted that development projects and cooperation agreements exceeding US$3 billion are currently under discussion, reflecting the expanding scope of bilateral engagement.

The UAE is Ecuador’s key trading partner in the Arab region and Africa, with non-oil trade reaching approximately US$373.6 million in 2025, marking significant growth compared to previous years.

Ecuador becomes the fourth Latin American country to sign a CEPA with the UAE, following agreements with Costa Rica, Chile, and Colombia. Negotiations are also under way with Peru, as the UAE continues to expand its trade and investment footprint across South America.