The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates are set to sign the country’s first free trade agreement in the Middle East during President Marcos’ visit next week.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will cover trade, investment, SMEs, digitalization, customs cooperation, governance, and sustainability.
Special Envoy Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel said the deal reflects strong trust and political backing between both governments, built through high-level visits and ongoing engagements.
Bilateral non-oil trade reached $1.08 billion in 2023, with the UAE being the Philippines’ top Gulf export destination, while UAE investments in the Philippines totaled over $129 million from 2019 to 2023.
The agreement is expected to boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation, while supporting the welfare of over one million Filipinos living and working in the UAE.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 10, 2026
PH-UAE PARTNERSHIP COULD LEAD TO FIRST MIDDLE EAST FREE TRADE DEAL
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