The United Arab Emirates announced it will soon sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the Philippines, a landmark trade deal expected to expand investment flows and deepen collaboration in areas such as labor, agriculture, and financial services.
UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi described the CEPA as “an important milestone” that coincides with the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
“Over the past three years, both nations have signed approximately 22 agreements focusing on culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, government modernization, and security. The signing CEPA, expected in the coming week, will further boost trade and investment,” Alzaabi said in a statement.
The UAE is currently the Philippines’ top export market among Arab and African countries and ranks as its 17th largest trading partner globally. Officials project the agreement will raise the UAE’s GDP by $2.4 billion and increase exports to the Philippines to $7.62 billion by 2032.
Bilateral cooperation has already extended beyond trade. The UAE pledged $20 million to rehabilitate the Pasig River and signed a $15-billion renewable energy partnership aimed at generating up to 10 gigawatts of clean power by 2030.
Alzaabi also highlighted the contributions of over one million Filipinos living in the Emirates, saying they “enrich every sector of society.” He emphasized that the UAE “remains committed to safeguarding their welfare and strengthening the bonds between the two nations.”
Philippine exports to the UAE include food products, electrical equipment, iron and steel, mineral fuels, and machinery—sectors expected to benefit further once CEPA takes effect.
“As the UAE and the Philippines celebrate 51 years of enduring friendship, both countries reaffirm their commitment to advancing cooperation, fostering innovation, and promoting shared prosperity for generations to come,” Alzaabi said.
