UAE begins DEPA accession with working group launch

The agreement aims to reduce barriers in the digital economy, streamline cross-border operations, and promote innovation.

The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) Joint Committee has launched an Accession Working Group (AWG) for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), officially beginning the process for the UAE to join the pioneering digital trade pact.

The AWG will be chaired by Singapore and include representatives from all current DEPA member economies. Its role is to oversee and assess the UAE’s alignment with DEPA’s standards and obligations. The move follows the UAE’s application to join the agreement, submitted on 7 June 2023.

DEPA was originally signed in June 2020 by Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore, establishing a common framework for digital trade rules and cooperation on digital economy issues. South Korea became the first new member to join via accession in May 2024.

The agreement aims to reduce barriers in the digital economy, streamline cross-border operations, and promote innovation.

As of June 2025, seven countries have formally applied to join DEPA: China, Canada, Costa Rica, Peru, the UAE, El Salvador, and Ukraine.

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