The UAE has signed GCC Free Trade Agreements with several countries and trade groups across the world to enhance its position as a global trade hub and major destination for investments. It also seeks to increase Emirati exports, improve competitiveness in foreign markets, regulate competition, reduce trade barriers facing national products, boost its investments abroad, and protect intellectual property rights. This also covers tariff barriers, trade services, investments, intellectual property rights, dispute settlement, investment in manufacturing sectors, and protection of property rights to prevent trafficking of counterfeit products. The UAE, within the GCC framework, has signed GCC Free Trade Agreements with many countries including New Zealand, Singapore, and EFTA countries. Negotiations are currently underway with several countries and trade groups, including the European Union, Japan, China, Korea, Australia, Pakistan, India, Turkey, and the Mercosur member countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).