United Arab Emirates — The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates signed a comprehensive free trade agreement on Tuesday, marking Manila’s first such pact with a Gulf nation and a significant step in expanding its global trade network.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 summit.
Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque signed the agreement on behalf of Manila, according to a statement from the Presidential Communications Office.
The CEPA aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs, improve market access for goods and services, boost investment flows and create new opportunities for Filipino professionals and service providers in the UAE.
The pact covers areas including digital trade, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, sustainable development, intellectual property, competition and consumer protection, government procurement and technical cooperation.
Key Philippine exports expected to benefit include bananas, pineapples, canned tuna, electronics and machinery.
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached nearly $1.83 billion in 2024, with the UAE ranking as the Philippines’ 18th-largest trading partner and accounting for about 39% of Philippine exports to the Middle East.
Preliminary studies cited by Philippine officials indicate the agreement could increase Philippine exports to the UAE by 9.13%, generate consumer savings and strengthen broader trade ties with the Gulf region.
On services, the CEPA provides a stable, non-discriminatory framework for Philippine firms — including smaller businesses — in sectors such as information technology and business process management, tourism, healthcare, education, construction and professional services.
The agreement complements the Philippines’ existing free trade arrangements with Japan, South Korea, the European Free Trade Association, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and partners under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
It also builds on prior Philippines-UAE accords covering investment protection, trade, energy, logistics, innovation and tourism.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, acting Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investment Kathryna Pimentel attended the signing ceremony.
The event was followed by a brief bilateral meeting between Marcos and Sheikh Mohamed, their second since November 2024, underscoring deepening ties between the two nations.
