Argentina and UAE Advance Talks on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
New York, September 24, 2026 — Argentina and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to begin negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a new step in efforts to expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The announcement followed a meeting in New York between Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, according to a joint declaration issued by the two governments.
The two ministers highlighted the state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening commercial and investment ties, with the objective of increasing economic cooperation between Argentina and the UAE.
Moving toward a broader economic framework
A central element of the declaration is the decision to launch commercial negotiations toward a CEPA, with both sides expressing an intention to accelerate discussions and reach an agreement that expands opportunities for trade in goods and services.
The governments also highlighted the importance of the existing Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, describing them as key elements for providing a stable and predictable framework for greater investment and commercial flows.
The proposed CEPA would provide a broader framework for cooperation between two economies seeking to increase their links across multiple sectors.
Mining, AI, energy and agroindustry among priority sectors
The joint declaration identifies a wide range of areas where Argentina and the UAE could develop additional trade and investment opportunities.
These include:
- Mining and minerals
- Artificial intelligence and data centers
- Pharmaceutical products
- Energy
- Agroindustry
- Aerospace
- Tourism
- Infrastructure
- Real estate
- Urban development
The inclusion of artificial intelligence and data centers alongside traditional sectors such as energy, mining, and agroindustry reflects the increasingly broad scope of the economic relationship.
Recent reporting also indicates that the two countries are discussing a broader investment agenda involving mining, technology, and AI.
Argentina LNG highlights UAE investment role
The declaration specifically highlighted the strategic partnership between YPF and XRG, the international energy investment company associated with Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC, as an example of the type of high-impact investment the two countries seek to promote.
The partnership forms part of the broader Argentina LNG project, which also involves Italy’s Eni. The project has been presented with an estimated total investment of approximately US$51 billion over its development. Current plans contemplate initial LNG production capacity of around 12 million tonnes per year, with potential for future expansion.
The Argentina LNG initiative is designed around the development of Vaca Muerta’s natural gas resources, associated infrastructure and floating LNG production facilities. Current reporting places the project within a broader effort to establish Argentina as a major LNG exporter.
A new phase for Argentina-UAE economic relations
The announcement comes as Argentina seeks to expand its international trade and attract capital into strategic sectors, while the UAE continues to develop investment and commercial relationships across Latin America.
For businesses in both countries, the proposed CEPA negotiations could become an important framework for future cooperation, particularly if discussions lead to improved market access and clearer conditions for bilateral trade and investment.
For the UAE, Argentina offers opportunities in areas ranging from energy and critical minerals to agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. For Argentine companies, deeper ties with the UAE could provide additional access to Gulf markets, investment capital, and commercial networks connecting Latin America with the Middle East and Asia.
The two governments concluded their declaration by reaffirming their intention to continue working together to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations in the coming years.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
