PH-UAE free trade deal set for June signing

The Philippines is poised to ink its first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is slated for signing this June, officials confirmed Wednesday.

UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Al Qatam Alzaabi and Philippine Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investments Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu Pimentel jointly announced the development, marking a milestone in the two countries' growing economic ties.

“It’s currently undergoing legal scrubbing,” Pimentel said during a media interview at the UAE Embassy in Makati City. She added that the agreement is on track to be finalized and signed within the first half of the year.

The CEPA will be the Philippines' first-ever free trade agreement with a country in the Middle East. Once signed, it is expected to open doors for greater market access, investment opportunities, and bilateral trade expansion.

Ambassador Alzaabi underscored the significance of the deal, calling it a “historic moment” for both nations and a step forward in fostering long-term cooperation.

The agreement covers a broad scope—including trade in goods and services, investment, customs procedures, digitalization, governance, sustainability, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Talks between Manila and Abu Dhabi began in 2022, with both governments expressing strong interest in deepening economic ties.

Even ahead of the CEPA signing, Emirati interest in the Philippine market continues to grow. Ambassador Alzaabi revealed that a delegation of 17 companies from Dubai is set to visit the Philippines next week to participate in a business forum and explore potential partnerships.

“These companies are active in hospitality, energy, SMEs, and other sectors,” the envoy said, adding that the CEPA will serve as a catalyst for even more robust economic collaboration between the two nations.

The upcoming deal reflects the Philippines’ broader push to diversify trade partners and position itself as a key player in the global market—particularly in regions where formal economic agreements have been limited until now.