The UAE encourages private sector growth and competition and enforces regulations that prohibit monopoly. It has strong ties with key regional and international trade associations. The UAE:

• is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1996
• is a member of the Greater Arab Free-Trade Area (GAFTA) in which all GCC countries participate
• concluded Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and the EFTA
• is cooperating with the GCC countries to conclude the Free Trade Agreements with the EU, Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Australia, South Korea and Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).