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The Philippines will sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates in mid-January, according to Trade secretary Maria Cristina Roque
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A delegation led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to go to the UAE between January 11 and 14 for the signing ceremony
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Meetings are also being set with UAE investors, especially on manufacturing
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The country is also aiming to sign free trade deals this year with the European Union and Chile
The Philippines will sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in mid-January, Trade secretary Ma. Cristina Roque told the media earlier this week.
A delegation led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officials are expected to go to the UAE between January 11 and 14 for the signing ceremony.
Roque also said they are working to set meetings with UAE investors during the visit to pitch the country for manufacturing ventures.
“We really want (to attract) manufacturing,” she said.
READ: UAE companies eye P25B investments in PH, including in ports
The CEPA will be the Philippine’s first free trade deal with a nation from the Middle East and member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
UAE data shows it ranks 17th among the Philippine’s trading partners as of 2022 and the top export market within the GCC. It is also one of the top destinations for Filipino workers.
Negotiations for the CEPA started in May 2024 and was concluded in May 2025.
READ: PH, UAE to start talks on economic partnership
Roque said the government is also aiming to seal trade pacts this year with the European Union and Chile.
READ: PH formally applies to join Trans-Pacific free trade agreement
