Kazakhstan’s Senate Ratifies EAEU-UAE Economic Partnership Agreement to Enhance Trade and Industry Ties

Kazakhstan’s Senate has officially ratified the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant step toward deeper economic integration between the two regions. The agreement was originally signed in Minsk on June 27, 2025.

Senate Speaker Alibek Nautiyev highlighted that the EPA will eliminate import customs duties on more than 85% of goods traded between the EAEU member states and the UAE. This reduction in trade barriers is designed to facilitate smoother and more cost-effective commerce.

The agreement also lays down comprehensive rules governing the determination of product origin, customs cooperation, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and the protection of intellectual property rights. These provisions aim to create a predictable and secure trading environment for businesses.

To mitigate risks for sensitive industries and allow businesses adequate time to adapt, the EPA incorporates extended transition periods. Notably, certain agricultural, metallurgical, and chemical products will be excluded from the free trade regime to protect domestic producers.

Nautiyev emphasized that the agreement includes safeguard mechanisms enabling the introduction of temporary tariffs or import quotas should there be a sudden surge in imports that could harm local industries.

The UAE has expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation with Kazakh companies across several sectors, including agriculture, food processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, the chemical industry, information technology, and emerging technologies. This signals potential growth opportunities for Kazakh businesses in these fields.

Ratification of the EPA is expected to broaden Kazakhstan’s network of preferential trade agreements, diversify its export markets, and enhance the competitive position of Kazakh enterprises throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Prior to the Senate’s approval, the Majilis—the lower chamber of Kazakhstan’s Parliament—had already ratified the Economic Partnership Agreement, underscoring the country’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the UAE and the broader Eurasian Economic Union.