First free trade pact with Middle East. A main highlight of Marcos' visit next week is the Philippines' first-ever free trade pact with a Middle Eastern nation, ending tariff barriers that have long limited Filipino exporters' access to the oil-rich Gulf. The deal — named the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) — aims to expand market access for Philippine products across the Middle East, Castro said. (The CEPA is the first free trade agreement of the Philippines with a country in the Middle East that that aims to expand the Philippines’ market access). Alongside the trade pact, a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation will formalize military technology sharing between Manila and Abu Dhabi, Castro said.

Source: Philippine Star January 08, 2026 10:04 UTC