Government lays groundwork for Philippines-UAE FTA

MANILA, Philippines — The Tariff Commission is set to conduct a public consultation this week for the planned free trade agreement between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a notice, the TC said the public consultation on the Philippines’ participation in the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE would be held on Aug. 30.

The public consultation is intended to give interested parties an opportunity to present their views on the country’s participation in the FTA talks.

Aside from the public consultation, interested parties will have an opportunity to provide their take on the matter through the submission of a position paper to the TC on or before Sept. 4 of this year.

Earlier, Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said the Philippines is aiming to conclude talks for the CEPA with the UAE in October this year, in time for the celebration of the two countries’ 50th year of diplomatic relations.

The second round of negotiations for the CEPA was conducted last July.

Once talks are completed, the CEPA will be the Philippines’ first FTA with a country in the Middle East.

It is envisioned to facilitate the greater flow of Philippine goods and services exports to the UAE and the greater Gulf region, as well as attract more investments from the UAE.

In addition, the CEPA is expected to create more opportunities for Filipino professionals and service providers in the UAE.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that the UAE was the Philippines’ 18th largest trading partner last year, with total trade between the two countries amounting to $1.88 billion.

The Philippines’ exports to the UAE reached $341.97 million, while its imports from the Gulf country were valued at $1.54 billion in 2023.

The UAE also serves as the second home of one of the largest populations of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East and is well-known for home-grown Filipino brands and businesses.