MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a free trade agreement that is expected to expand market access for goods and services, and open up more job opportunities for Filipinos in the Middle East.
The agreement, called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), is the Philippines' first trade deal with a Middle Eastern country. The signing was witnessed on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, which has been the center of high-level dialogue on trade and sustainable development.
The goal of CEPA is to reduce tariffs, boost investment, and increase the flow of trade in goods and services. Its scope also includes digital trade, MSMEs, intellectual property, and consumer protection, which are essential to the modern economy.
The expected benefits are significant for Philippine exports such as bananas, pineapples, canned tuna, electronics, and machinery. Based on initial analysis, Philippine exports to the UAE could increase by more than nine percent, along with lower costs for consumers.
The agreement also provides a stable and fair environment for Filipino businesses, including IT-BPM, tourism, healthcare, education, construction, and professional services. It strengthens the country's trade relations with the region and supports the Philippines' broader global trade strategy.
