November 19,2025
RED FM News Desk
Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to sign a long-negotiated investment agreement and launch talks on a new Canada–UAE trade deal during his visit to the Gulf nation, a senior government official says.
Speaking to reporters on background aboard the prime minister’s plane, the official confirmed that Carney will finalize a new Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA) before leaving Abu Dhabi. He is also expected to announce the start of negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The official noted that the Liberal government aims to strengthen Canada’s economic independence by expanding trade ties beyond the United States. Carney views the Gulf region as a strong partner, given shared strengths in resource sectors and artificial intelligence.
The FIPA follows more than eight years of negotiations and is intended to boost investor confidence, while the CEPA would advance trade, including on intellectual property and labour mobility.
After arriving in Abu Dhabi shortly before midnight, Carney is scheduled Thursday to meet UAE Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, followed by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both meetings will be held behind closed doors, as the UAE government is limiting media access to the Canadian delegation.
Despite this, the official suggested the private setting may help Carney make progress on sensitive issues, including Sudan’s civil war.
Carney will also visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on Thursday afternoon. On Friday, he will deliver a keynote address at the Canada-UAE Investment Summit, hosted by the Canada-UAE Business Council, before departing for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa, where he is expected to discuss trade with other key partners.
According to the official, several other Canadian trade files have been moving too slowly, and Carney is eager to accelerate progress.
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