The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (“CEPA”) between Serbia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which entered into force on June 1, 2025, marks a transformative moment for Serbia’s economic strategy and international standing. This partnership is not just a trade deal—it is a gateway to new markets, investments, and opportunities that can shape Serbia’s future for years to come.
The CEPA is designed to eliminate or reduce customs duties on over 96% of tariff lines between the two countries, making Serbian products more competitive in the UAE and throughout the Gulf region. For Serbian exporters, this means immediate duty-free access for a wide range of goods, including live animals (except pigs), fresh and processed meats, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, and many other agricultural and industrial products. Over the next few years, even more products will become customs-free, further expanding export possibilities.
At the same time, Serbia secured protections for its most sensitive sectors. These measures ensure that key domestic industries—such as certain meats, cheeses, and confectionery—remain exempt from full liberalization. This careful balance allows Serbia to benefit from new opportunities while safeguarding local producers.
The UAE is undoubtedly one of the wealthiest and fastest-growing markets in the Middle East. With this agreement, Serbian businesses gain entry to a dynamic region with strong purchasing power and a demand for high-quality food, industrial, and technological products. The UAE is already Serbia’s largest trading partner in the Gulf. In 2023, it accounted for 55% of Serbia’s total trade with the GCC.
Serbia’s agricultural sector, known for its fertile land and skilled workforce, stands to gain significantly. The agreement will stimulate exports of Serbian food and agricultural products, as well as industrial and technological goods. It also opens the door for increased UAE investment in Serbian agribusiness, logistics, renewable energy, and technology sectors. This can lead to job creation, innovation, and greater competitiveness for Serbian companies.
The CEPA is more than a trade agreement—it is a platform for deeper cooperation between Serbian and Emirati businesses. It encourages joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and private sector partnerships in areas like food security, logistics, and technology. This collaboration can help Serbia modernize its industries and integrate into global supply chains.
Serbia’s location in the Balkans, with access to the EU and other regional markets, makes it an attractive gateway for the UAE into Eastern Europe. This partnership enhances Serbia’s profile as a logistics and trade hub, potentially attracting further international investment and positioning the country as a key player in regional commerce.
The CEPA supports Serbia’s long-term development goals by diversifying its trade partners and reducing dependence on traditional markets. By fostering sustainable economic growth, the agreement can contribute to higher living standards and greater economic resilience.
The Serbia-UAE CEPA is certainly one of the most significant foreign trade deals for Serbia in the past decade. It therefore reflects a shared ambition to build a modern, open, and competitive economy. As Serbian exporters and investors take advantage of these new opportunities, the agreement promises to deliver tangible benefits. These advantages will extend to businesses, workers, and consumers alike. That being said, this agreement goes beyond trade—it represents a bridge between two nations, their economies, and shared visions for the future. As a platform for investment and cooperation across key sectors such as water supply, logistics, digital innovation, and tourism, it lays the foundation for a deeper strategic partnership and long-term mutual growth.
To access a PDF of the agreement (without delineations), please click here.
Author: Marko Jović
