The UAE–Vietnam CEPA consists of 18 chapters and Annexes, eliminating tariff barriers and enhancing market access for trade in goods and services. The CEPA supports the flow of goods in a simpler, less costly, and timely manner through trade facilitation and customs cooperation arrangements. The CEPA also places special emphasis on the needs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and seeks to strengthen economic cooperation across multiple sectors, creating a framework for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Summary of the CEPA Content

Trade in Goods and Rules of Origin

The CEPA unlocks new export opportunities by providing duty-free or preferential market access, transparency in customs procedures, and the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers. The UAE–Vietnam CEPA immediately eliminates tariffs on more than 95% on all qualifying goods made in Vietnam or in the UAE, including those from free zones. Trade in goods between the two countries is also supported by clear rules on preferential trade, import licensing and treatment of non-tariff barriers.

For detailed information on preferential tariff rates, please review the CEPA Market Access Dashboard below.

For goods to qualify for preferential tariff treatment, they must meet the rules of origin requirements prescribed within the Agreement. Further information can be found in Chapter 3 (Rules of Origin) of the CEPA.

The CEPA also puts in place rules to ensure that product health and safety requirements are in line with international standards and do not become a barrier to trade, and reinforces the principle of fair trade by allowing for temporary relief against unfair trade or unforeseen surges in imports in accordance with the WTO agreements covering safeguards, subsidies, countervailing duties, and anti-dumping measures, as well as allowing for bilateral safeguard measures.

To ensure the smooth functioning of the CEPA, the Partners have established standing Subcommittees on Trade in Goods and Rules of Origin to monitor the implementation of the Agreement and to address any emerging issues.

Trade in Services

The CEPA sets clear and transparent rules to facilitate the cross-border supply of services, and movement of natural persons.

The CEPA ensures that service providers enjoy favorable treatment across a variety of service sectors and subsectors, including professional services, financial services, logistics, travel and tourism, transport services as well as telecommunication services.

The CEPA includes detailed schedules of commitments for both the UAE and Vietnam. For detailed information, please refer to the Trade in Services chapter (Chapter 8), and its annexes on Schedules of Specific Commitments which include the services sectors and sub-sectors by clicking the link below.

Digital Trade

CEPA promotes cross-border digital trade and e-commerce by allowing for open data flow, recognition of electronic signatures, and consumer protection in the digital environment. The common disciplines contained in the CEPA brings greater coherence to a continuously evolving digital trading landscape integral to today’s global economy and serves to enhance confidence and ensure that digital trade flows benefit both businesses and consumers.

For UAE and Vietnamese businesses alike, this CEPA creates a trusted digital bridge connecting two of Asia’s most dynamic economies and offering new opportunities for e-commerce, fintech, logistics, creative industries, and government-tech partnerships in an increasingly digitalized global marketplace.

Investment Facilitation

The CEPA reaffirms each Partner’s commitments under the 2009 Bilateral Investment Agreement and the Partners’ goals to promote and facilitate investments, including through publication of investment legislation and sharing of information. The CEPA establishes a dedicated Subcommittee and contact point to enhance investment flows, and tackle investment matters.

Government Procurement

CEPA establishes contact points and creates a mechanism for cooperation between the Partners on matters relating to government procurement. The CEPA promotes transparency and fair competition in government procurement processes, by providing for suppliers from both Partners to have access to information on public tenders on a non-discriminatory basis, as well as access to legislations and procedures.

Intellectual Property Rights Protection

CEPA complements existing international principles and standards for the treatment, protection, and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in a manner that provides greater confidence in protecting innovations, brands, and creative works, thereby encouraging innovation, technology transfer, and investment in creative industries.

Economic Cooperation

CEPA promotes cooperation and collaboration among the Partners to support stronger economic ties and ensure that businesses can fully benefit from the opportunities made possible by the CEPA. Areas of cooperation include manufacturing industries; infrastructure and logistics; tourism; transport; shipping and maritime; precious metals; petrochemicals; energy development; trade-related aspects of agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forestry; financial services; innovation and digital transformation; and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Micro Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)

CEPA recognizes the specific needs of MSMEs and seeks to make it easier for MSMEs and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and attract investment by providing relevant information and putting in place joint platforms to assist MSMEs.

Dispute Settlement

The CEPA’s state-to-state trade dispute settlement mechanism underscores the Partners’ commitment to resolving trade disputes in a timely manner as well as preserving the agreed-on levels of trade liberalization.

Agreement Administration

CEPA establishes an administrative structure that is comprised of specialised committees and subcommittees, as well as contact points, to ensure effective communication and to oversee the implementation of the different aspects of the CEPA.