The Philippines is set to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates in January 2026 as part of a government push to expand trade and attract foreign investment, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Monday.
The signing is scheduled between Jan. 11 and 14 during a visit to the UAE by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Trade and Industry officials.
The agreement marks the first free trade deal for the Philippines with a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its first in the Middle East.
Roque said the government is specifically targeting manufacturing investments to boost domestic production and exports.
She noted that meetings with prospective investors and companies are being arranged to coincide with the formal signing ceremony.
The UAE serves as the 18th largest trading partner for the Philippines and is its top export market within the GCC.
Total bilateral trade reached $1.88 billion in 2023, with exports valued at $342 million and imports at $1.54 billion.
The two nations held an initial round of negotiations in Dubai from May 6 to 8 after consulting with stakeholders.
Beyond trade volume, the UAE hosts one of the largest populations of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East and several established Filipino business brands.
President Marcos is a proponent of free trade agreements to lower tariffs and improve the competitiveness of Philippine goods.
The DTI said it is also pursuing similar negotiations with the European Union and Chile, with officials expressing optimism that those deals could be finalized in 2026.
Roque said the strategy focuses on lowering barriers to ensure the country remains competitive with its global allies.
