The Canada-UAE Business Council Convenes Business Roundtable Following CEPA Negotiations
Toronto, ON | July 24, 2026
The Canada-UAE Business Council (CUBC), in partnership with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Canada and Global Affairs Canada, convened a high-level UAE-Canada Business Roundtable in Toronto on the occasion of the official visit of His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade.
Supported by the National Bank of Canada as the official event sponsor, the roundtable brought together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, financial institutions and strategic partners from Canada and the United Arab Emirates to advance dialogue on the future of bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.
The roundtable was convened at a pivotal moment in the Canada-UAE economic relationship, following the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Canada-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement represents a major milestone in bilateral relations, establishing a framework to expand trade, investment, innovation partnerships and commercial cooperation between the two countries.
The discussion featured opening remarks by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade, and was moderated by the Honourable Jean Charest, Co-Chair of the Canada-UAE Business Council. The event also welcomed His Excellency Abdulrahman Al Neyadi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Canada, alongside senior executives, investors, financial institutions, government representatives and strategic partners from both countries.
The closed-door roundtable provided a platform for leaders to examine how governments and industry can work together to translate CEPA into meaningful commercial outcomes. Discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, enhance market access, facilitate business partnerships and deepen economic connectivity across priority sectors, including engineering and construction, technology and innovation, agriculture and food security, energy and natural resources, aerospace and logistics.
Participants highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between governments, businesses and financial institutions in supporting companies as they navigate new opportunities, expand into new markets and build long-term partnerships across the Canada-UAE corridor.
The Canada-UAE Business Council extends its sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Canada and Global Affairs Canada for their valued partnership in advancing this important dialogue.
The Council also extends its appreciation to the National Bank of Canada, the official event sponsor, and for its leadership in fostering stronger Canada-UAE trade, investment and financial connectivity. Through its presence in the United Arab Emirates, including its office in the Dubai International Financial Centre, National Bank of Canada is helping connect Canadian businesses with opportunities in the region while supporting capital flow between Canada and the UAE.
As implementation of the Canada-UAE CEPA progresses, the Canada-UAE Business Council remains committed to serving as a strategic platform for executive dialogue, business engagement and investment facilitation. The Council will continue working with government and industry partners to promote awareness of CEPA, foster commercial partnerships and support the growth of the Canada-UAE economic relationship.
