{"id":2202505,"date":"2023-10-18T08:00:40","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T23:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202505"},"modified":"2023-10-17T16:02:09","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T07:02:09","slug":"south-koreas-first-mideast-fta-with-uae-vital-to-diversify-its-economy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/10\/south-koreas-first-mideast-fta-with-uae-vital-to-diversify-its-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s first Mideast FTA with UAE vital to diversify its economy"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) <\/span>finalized negotiations<\/span><\/a> on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Oct. 14, marking South Korea\u2019s 24th FTA and its first with a Middle Eastern country. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (<\/span>CEPA<\/span><\/a>), signed by South Korea\u2019s trade minister Ahn Duk-geun and the UAE\u2019s foreign trade minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, aims to enhance economic relations and bilateral trade. The agreement will see the removal of tariffs on 92.8% of all traded items by South Korea and 91.2% by the UAE within a decade. This move is expected to benefit South Korean exports of eco-friendly vehicles, <\/span>weaponry<\/span><\/a>, electronics and fresh food items. Additionally, the UAE\u2019s decision to eliminate a 3% tariff on crude oil over the next 10 years is anticipated to strengthen South Korean refiners\u2019 price competitiveness and ensure stable supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n CEPA, set to be officially signed in the first half of the following year, extends beyond trade in goods, as the UAE has committed to opening its online gaming, medical service and other industries to South Korean interests, potentially boosting the presence of <\/span>South Korean content in the Middle East<\/span><\/a>. This development is significant, given the robust two-way trade between the nations, which stood at approximately $19.5 billion in 2022, with the UAE ranking as South Korea\u2019s 16th major trading partner.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n CEPA represents a significant development in South Korea\u2019s international trade strategy. This agreement, the first of its kind with a Middle Eastern country, signals South Korea\u2019s move to diversify its economic partnerships beyond traditional allies and established markets. This move is important, given South Korea\u2019s export-driven economy, where certain sectors such as automotive and electronics are integral to its economic health.<\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, CEPA stands out for its broad scope, encompassing elements not always covered in standard FTAs, such as digital trade, intellectual property rights and various service sectors. The inclusion of provisions for cross-border data flows and intellectual property safeguards is particularly relevant for South Korea, acknowledging its status as a digitally advanced economy with a global footprint in the <\/span>entertainment<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>technology<\/span><\/a> sectors. Additionally, by addressing cooperation in fields like renewable energy and advanced healthcare, the agreement aligns with South Korea\u2019s long-term economic vision of <\/span>sustainable and technology-driven growth<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n