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The Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is to take effect on October 6, 2026, according to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Trade Minister Andrei Slepnev.

The Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and the UAE was signed in Minsk on June 27, 2025, and has since undergone ratification procedures. The document stipulates the fundamental rules of trade, consistent with World Trade Organization standards, between the EAEU and its member states, on the one hand, and the UAE, on the other, and envisions additional trade liberalization for over 85% of goods. The preferential access, provided for by the tariff commitments of the parties to the agreement, covers over 95% of bilateral trade between Russia and the UAE.

The agreement defines conditions to develop and enhance trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU and the UAE in areas of mutual interest. These areas include customs cooperation, e-commerce, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, intellectual property rights, and government procurement.

The agreement also provides for the establishment of cooperation in various sectors, including transport and logistics, competition, tourism, research and innovation, the extraction, processing and use of minerals, trade in environmentally friendly goods, and the convergence of standards for halal products.

The UAE’s trade with the EAEU member states has been on a positive growth trajectory the past three years. For example, trade with Russia, the EAEU’s largest economy, reached a record high in 2025, and has grown by about 50% over the past three years. Russia and the UAE have targeted an additional 40% increase in trade volumes by 2030, with broader estimates projecting bilateral non-oil and overall trade to double to reach about US$28 billion in this timeframe.

Of note to the UAE especially are the Muslim consumer markets in Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, being a combined market of 53.5 million. The Halal portion of the Free Trade Agreement to service this market therefore shows great potential.

While the UAE currently faces some problems due to the issues with Iran and the United States, it is also worth noting that it is not an energy-driven economy and instead is highly involved in electronics and jewellery industries. Although Iran is the traditional export transit route, the UAE can also export via transit corridors through Saudi Arabia and Iraq. This suggests that the current military actions taking place in southern Iran should not be too detrimental to the development of the UAE’s imports and exports.

Illustrating this, we commented on the development of Russia-Saudi Arabian logistics connectivity development here and noted FESCO’s shipping capacity to Saudi Arabia and the UAE increased by 20% last year here.

It should also be noted that the previous EAEU Free Trade Agreement was with Iran, in 2024, and resulted in an immediate 30% increase in trade the following year. If the Russian intent to increase bilateral trade and the Iranian experience are duplicated, UAE-EAEU trade could reach close to US$50 billion in the next four years.

Russia and Malaysia have agreed to develop ties between special economic zones, according to Malaysian Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir. He was speaking at the fifth meeting of the Russian-Malaysian intergovernmental commission, which he co-chairs, in Vladivostok.

Kadir said that “both sides agreed to develop cooperation between special economic zones, with Malaysian representatives invited to the Fourth International SEZ Forum in Moscow, as well as joint participation in international advanced development territories in the Russian Far East.”

Malaysia has a history of developing joint venture special economic zones and has developed several successfully in Malaysia with partners from China and several ASEAN nations. These are typically light industrial areas that offer tax incentives and free trade bonded zones where component parts can be mixed and then manufactured into a finished product. In Malaysia’s case, its manufacturing sector is focused on the automotive, electrical and electronics (semiconductors) manufacturing, petroleum and chemicals, rubber and plastic products, and palm oil processing. Malaysian companies will be looking to JV with Russian companies in the semiconductor, automotive, and rubber (car tires) sectors and other electronic products.

Representatives from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the Eurasian Economic Union have held formal talks exploring trade policy, logistics, and agriculture cooperation.

Kadir also said that Russia and Malaysia were developing cooperation in trade and agriculture, with plans for broader access to national markets, mutual recognition of standards between the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) and its Malaysian equivalent, and establishment of a direct procurement mechanism to source products from each other’s markets.

Malaysia officially became a BRICS partner country on January 1, 2025, after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim submitted an expression of interest to join the bloc. This status allows Malaysia to engage with the economic group while balancing its foreign policy and trade relationships.

Islamabad will sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), although the process could take from a few months to two years, according to Pakistani Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi. He noted that there are many things Pakistan could import and export from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan, adding that “There are so many things that Pakistan can provide to this region. We can be a part of each other’s economic and food security. This is exactly the kind of connectivity we are working on, because we believe that ultimately, people-to-people contacts, economic, business, and cultural ties provide real security, peace, and integration in Eurasia.”

Pakistan is strategically located at the crossroads of Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. It is a developing agro-industrial country that is among the countries with the greatest potential for economic growth in the 21st century.

The key industries are agriculture, textiles, chemicals, metallurgy, and engineering, as well as mining. The country is actively developing information technology, although the sector faces several challenges.

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, employing approximately 42% of the workforce. The main crops are wheat, cotton, rice, sugar cane, and mangoes. The textile industry is a key export sector, accounting for about 60% of the country’s exports in 2023. Pakistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of cotton production. The chemical industry includes the production of fertilizers, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. The country also produces steel, aluminum, automobiles, and agricultural machinery. Pakistan has reserves of coal, natural gas, oil (about 300 million barrels), copper ore, chromium ore, marble, table salt, limestone, uranium, phosphates, barite, sulfur, and precious and semi-precious stones.

The country is also focusing on expanding its IT sector, becoming a growing center for software development and outsourcing. The government is working to diversify the economy and promote growth in sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals. Pakistan’s automotive industry is expanding with increased investment, and its oil and gas sector remains essential for energy and industrial production.

Pakistan is part of several free trade agreements (FTAs) and regional trade groups that improve its access to international markets. These include the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA), which boosts trade with China, especially in textiles, agriculture, and chemicals. The country has been a significant recipient of China’s Belt & Road Initiative investments, which have been designed to improve Pakistan’s antiquated transport and logistics architecture and help the country to industrialize. There has been occasional resistance to these projects.

Pakistan is also a member of the regional SAARC trade agreement, which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan also enjoys trade preferences under agreements with the European Union and the United States. It is also a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and has expressed interest in BRICS, although India’s founding membership has blocked this route at present. 

With a population of around 255 million, Pakistan’s GDP PPP estimate for 2026 is US$2.17 trillion, with a GDP PPP per capita of US$5,810. In January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a 3.6% growth in Pakistan’s real GDP for the fiscal year ending in June 2026. This forecast was based on the successful completion of IMF audits, which has helped mitigate default risks and restore investor confidence.

The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has met with James Pitia Morgan, the Foreign Minister of South Sudan, in Moscow, marking the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

They noted the traditionally friendly nature of Russia-South Sudan relations, which are based on the principles of mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests. They reaffirmed Moscow’s and Juba’s commitment to further deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation across various sectors.

15 years of diplomatic relations have laid the foundation for sustained political dialogue. Russia was among the first states to recognize South Sudan’s independence, while the opening of the Russian Embassy in Juba in December 2025 brought bilateral relations to a new level.

Political contacts are steadily expanding. President Salva Kiir took part in the Russia — Africa summits in 2019 and 2023 and is expected to attend the third Russia — Africa Summit in Moscow on 28 — 29 October 2026.

Economic cooperation is taking on a practical dimension. Russia and South Sudan intend to establish an intergovernmental commission and develop cooperation in energy, oil and gas, geological exploration, mining, and other sectors. In May 2026, a Russian delegation led by Roman Marshavin, the deputy minister of energy, visited South Sudan, giving impetus to the development of a bilateral partnership.

Particular attention was also paid to agriculture and food security. Russian technologies are in high demand in the development of wheat and rice production, the flour-milling industry, tea leaf processing, and the creation of South Sudan’s agricultural infrastructure.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation are also among the priority areas. Russia is developing educational ties, promoting the Russian language and culture on the basis of local higher education institutions. In April of this year, the South Sudanese Association of Graduates of Russian Universities was established.

Russia contributes to strengthening state institutions in South Sudan. In May this year, representatives of the National Election Commission of South Sudan underwent training at the Russian Central Election Commission. The parties are also developing cooperation with the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an eight-country trade bloc and regional economic community in Africa focused on development, drought mitigation, and peacebuilding.

The main emphasis of the meetings is the transition to broader practical partnership. Moscow views South Sudan as a promising partner in Africa and intends to expand cooperation in the political, economic, humanitarian, and educational spheres.

South Sudan’s economy is largely dependent on its oil and gas industry, with crude petroleum accounting for about 90% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. However, the sector has faced significant challenges, including geopolitical issues and infrastructure constraints. The government is working to repair and resume oil pipeline operations, which are essential to the nation’s economic stability. Agriculture also plays an important role, employing a large portion of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. Key agricultural products include cotton, peanuts, gum arabic (South Sudan is one of the world’s largest producers, accounting for 75-80% of global supply), sesame seeds, and livestock. Additionally, South Sudan is rich in mineral resources, especially gold, and is the third-largest producer of gold in Africa, with annual production nearing 30 tons. The country’s manufacturing sector includes oil refining, cement production, and the production of goods like shoes and chemical fertilizers, although many factories are underutilized.

South Sudan is a member of several regional and continental free trade agreements. These include the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at enhancing trade across Africa. The country is also part of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), the League of Arab States (LAS), the East African Community, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). South Sudan has bilateral trade agreements with neighboring countries, such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan, covering agriculture, oil, and livestock. Additionally, the country has strong economic ties with China, particularly in energy and infrastructure projects.

South Sudan is landlocked and one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking second to last in the Human Development Index, and it is also one of the poorest countries by GDP per capita.

The oilfields in South Sudan have been significant to the economy since the latter part of the 20th century. In 2023, oil constitutes more than 90% of state revenues, with the third-largest oil reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, after South Sudan became an independent nation in July 2011, southern and northern negotiators have not been able to reach an agreement on how to split the revenue from these oilfields. However, with Sudan also being close to Russia, agreements may be revived, and with this, oil production increases. South Sudan also contains many natural resources such as petroleum, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, diamonds, hardwoods, limestone, and hydropower. The country’s economy, as in many other developing countries, is heavily dependent on agriculture.

The country’s population is approximately 12 million people. According to the IMF, its GDP in PPP terms is US$19.16 billion, and GDP per capita is US$1,540. The forecast for real GDP growth in 2026 is 4.1%.

Economic ties between Russia and South Sudan remain limited so far. According to the Russian Federal Customs Service in 2024, the volume of bilateral trade was estimated at about US$8 million. In 2025, supplies of Russian wheat to South Sudan were recorded. Estimates of Russia — South Sudan trade vary significantly across different international statistical databases, meaning a reliable final figure for 2025 hard to assess. It is unlikely to be over US$20 million. Moscow will be looking to become involved in South Sudan’s energy and minerals sectors but will need to invest. Bilateral trade growth, while small, can be expected to show cautious promise.  

Investment Protection Agreements are being worked on to prepare businesses in India, Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union members — Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for the upcoming free trade zone between India and the EAEU. This includes new logistics corridors and a financial settlement system independent of Western sanctions, according to Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.

With India and Russia alone intending to bring their mutual trade volume to US$100 billion by 2030, Moscow and New Delhi need to strengthen their transport connectivity. In particular, this includes enhancing the Vladivostok–Chennai maritime route as well as joint development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). In June 2026, the Indian Ministry of Transport advised President Putin about the lack of interest among Russian operators in operating a direct Vladivostok–Chennai maritime line due to a shortage of specialized capacities at the departure port. A reaction from the Kremlin is sure to follow.

Also being worked on are mutual payment systems to avoid using Western financial settlements architecture. Russia and India are also preparing two key economic agreements — one to deal with mutual investment protection, while is the Free Trade Agreement itself.

Key sectors within this include machine building, agriculture, military equipment production, and high technology, as well as the digital and space sectors. The latter includes satellite and mobile communications, information security, telecommunications, digitalisation of state administration, and urban infrastructure. Back on earth, this includes submarine cable systems. Energy cooperation and production occupies a special place in bilateral cooperation. Rudenko emphasized that regular supplies of Russian oil strengthen India’s energy security and help smooth global market instability.

In the nuclear industry, construction of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is continuing, while Moscow and New Delhi are also selecting a new site to construct another nuclear power plant.

Coordinating all these activities — and planned future developments such as increased use of the NSR is a complex issue as the tax and trade issues all need to be catered for in multiple sectors within the pending Free Trade Agreement. The other EAEU members will also need to do the same.

In terms of what to expect, the previous Free Trade Agreement the EAEU reached was with Iran in 2024. That resulted in a 30% increase in bilateral trade with Russia and a tripling of Iranian trade with the other EAEU members. The agreement eradicated 95% of all tariffs between Iran and the EAEU. The India-EAEU trade impact is likely to be even more significant.

The Russian Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have received requests to conclude bilateral investment treaties with numerous countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, as without them, the enforceability of decisions in these regions remains questionable.

At the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, Russian lawyers have noted a trend of Russian companies moving from traditional European arbitration centres to Russian permanent arbitration institutions and platforms in the CIS, Asia, and the Middle East. The key drivers of this shift include the enforceability of decisions, geopolitical risks, and procedural speed.

During a forum session dedicated to cross-border arbitration and judicial disputes, representatives from the Russian Arbitration Centre at the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration and the Arbitration Centre at the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs confirmed growth in international proceedings at their institutions. Valeria Senatorova, Director General of the RAC, notes an increase in complex and large-scale disputes that parties previously referred primarily to foreign authorities. Mikhail Savranskiy, Deputy Chairman of the Arbitration Centre at the RUIE, provides statistics showing a rising number of international disputes involving parties from the CIS and the Middle East.

Senatorova highlights three factors determining the choice of Russian permanent arbitration institutions: guaranteed enforceability of decisions within the Russian judicial system, the ability to conduct proceedings in both Russian and English, and the prompt resolution of technical and organizational issues through direct contact