Philippines, UAE sign trade agreement

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have forged a free trade pact seen to widen market access for goods and services and generate more opportunities for Filipino workers in the Middle Eastern country.

The signing yesterday of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) – the Philippines’ first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern state – was one of the highlights of President Marcos’ two-day working visit to UAE.

Marcos and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of the agreement on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Summit at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi signed the deal on behalf of their respective countries.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said CEPA seeks to reduce tariffs, enhance market access for goods and services, increase investment flows and create new opportunities for Filipino professionals and service providers in the UAE.

The deal also covers strategic sectors such as digital trade, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), sustainable development, intellectual property, competition and consumer protection, government procurement and technical cooperation, the PCO added.

The agreement is seen to benefit Philippine exports like bananas, pineapples, canned tuna, electronics, machinery and other high-demand products.

Citing preliminary studies, the PCO said the free trade agreement could boost Philippine exports to the UAE by 9.13 percent, generate consumer savings and enhance overall trade linkages with the Gulf region.

The agreement also ensures a stable, non-discriminatory environment for Filipino firms, including MSMEs across sectors like information technology-business process management, tourism, healthcare, education, construction and professional services, the PCO added.

“The CEPA is also expected to further complement the Philippines’ network of FTAs (free trade agreements) with Japan, South Korea, European Free Trade Agreement and regional agreements within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and trade partners, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement,” the PCO said.

The Philippines has existing agreements with the UAE, including the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and cooperation on trade, energy, logistics, innovation and tourism.

First Lady Liza Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investment Kathryna Yu-Pimentel were present during the signing ceremony, which was followed by a brief meeting between Marcos and Sheikh Mohammed.

They were expected to tackle matters related to trade, defense and sustainable development. The two leaders first met in November 2024 during which they discussed further boosting bilateral ties.

Marcos’ working visit to the UAE is his 40th overseas trip since assuming the presidency in 2022. He left Manila last Monday at 6:30 p.m. and arrived in UAE at 11:09 p.m. on the same day.