Philippines, UAE sign trade agreementPresident Marcos meets with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The signing yesterday of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) – the Philippines’ first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern state – was one of the highlights of President Marcos’ two-day working visit to UAE. Citing preliminary studies, the PCO said the free trade agreement could boost Philippine exports to the UAE by 9.13 percent, generate consumer savings and enhance overall trade linkages with the Gulf region. “The CEPA is also expected to further complement the Philippines’ network of FTAs (free trade agreements) with Japan, South Korea, European Free Trade Agreement and regional agreements within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and trade partners, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement,” the PCO said. The Philippines has existing agreements with the UAE, including the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and cooperation on trade, energy, logistics, innovation and tourism.

Source: Philippine Star January 13, 2026 16:10 UTC