By Brian Campued
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates have entered a “historic milestone” in the two countries’ bilateral relations with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Tuesday.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing and exchange of the CEPA on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.
In a Facebook post, Marcos Jr. noted that the CEPA is the Philippines’ first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern country.
“This landmark agreement deepens our partnership with the UAE and opens new opportunities for Filipino workers, professionals, and businesses,” the Chief Executive said.
“What we signed today lays the foundation for lasting growth and shared prosperity for our people, now and for generations to come.”
In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the agreement aims to lower tariffs, widen market access, increase investments, and open more opportunities for Filipino goods, services, and professionals in the UAE.
“It also covers strategic sectors such as digital trade, MSMEs, sustainable development, intellectual property, competition and consumer protection, government procurement, and technical cooperation,” the PCO said.
It added that bananas, pineapples, canned tuna, electronics, machinery, and other high-demand products, which the Philippines exports to the UAE, are expected to benefit from the free trade deal.
The CEPA was signed on behalf of the Philippines by Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque. Also present during the signing ceremony were First Lady Liza Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go, and Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investment Kathryna Yu-Pimentel.
UAE ranks 18th among the Philippines’ trading partners, with bilateral trade between the two nations hitting nearly $1.83 billion in 2024.
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