Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates in January to oversee the signing of a bilateral trade agreement that has been under negotiation for the past two years, according to Philippine trade officials.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) is targeted to be finalized during the President’s visit between January 11 and 14. She will join the delegation alongside Finance Secretary Frederick Go, who previously served as the President’s adviser on investment and economic affairs.
The agreement marks the close of formal talks that began in May 2024 and concluded in the first half of 2025. Initial discussions on launching a free trade agreement date back to February 2022, with both governments agreeing on formal negotiating terms by late 2023.
Data from the Department of Trade and Industry show that the Cepa is designed to liberalize at least 90 percent of tariff lines and trade value. Officials also see the pact as a gateway for Philippine exporters to tap the broader Gulf Cooperation Council market through the UAE.
The Middle Eastern state is considered a key destination for Philippine products, particularly halal-certified goods, tropical fruits, garments, and premium consumer items such as luxury watches and leather accessories.
Once concluded, the UAE agreement will become the Philippines’ fourth bilateral free trade pact, following deals with South Korea in 2023, Japan in 2006, and the European Free Trade Association in 2016.
Beyond the UAE accord, Roque said preparations are also underway for the signing of a separate free trade agreement with the European Union in 2026. Negotiations with the bloc covered areas including digital trade, energy and raw materials, goods and services, investment, capital movements, competition policy, and customs facilitation.
She added that the Philippines is likewise moving toward finalizing its first trade agreement with Chile, a deal intended to link Chile’s resources and technical expertise with Philippine labor, services, and access to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations market.
Separately, talks for a Philippines–Canada free trade agreement are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, which would be the country’s first such pact with a North American partner.
Alongside the Cepa signing, the trade department plans to meet with UAE-based firms during the visit to pitch investment opportunities in the Philippines, with a particular focus on attracting manufacturing companies.
