On Monday, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE's) Minister of Foreign Trade, met on the margins of the Canada Investment Summit, held in Toronto on September 14 and 15, 2026, to deepen trade and investment ties between Canada and the UAE.
Minister Sidhu and Minister Al Zeyoudi highlighted the successful conclusion of negotiations for the Canada-UAE comprehensive economic partnership agreement on July 24, 2026. This agreement, the fastest trade negotiations that Canada has ever completed, will create new opportunities for workers and businesses by reducing trade barriers, enhancing supply chain resiliency and improving market access between the two countries upon its entry into force.
The UAE is Canada's top export market in the Middle East. The Canada-UAE Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which entered into force on May 19, 2026, strengthens Canada-UAE economic partnerships by supporting a stable business environment for investment.
Minister Sidhu noted the Canada Investment Summit as an opportunity to connect Canadian and UAE businesses and advance investment opportunities.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, investment and commercial collaboration while supporting the two countries' trade-diversification goals.
