Philippine and Dubai business chambers have signed a five year bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation, strengthen bilateral trade relations, promote investments and explore new areas of collaboration in both countries.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Eunina Mangio and Dubai Chamber of Commerce (Dubai Chambers) Vice-President Salem Al Shamsi signed the MOU during a business forum hosted by Dubai Chamber of Commerce in Manila titled ‘Doing Business with the Philippines’ as part of its Southeast Asia trade mission on May 27, 2025 in Taguig City.
In her speech, Mangio expressed confidence the the alliance will achieve concrete results, generate substantial trade flows, facilitate strategic partnerships, and open new markets for Philippines and UAE enterprises across key sectors.
For his part, Al Shamsi said that Dubai Chambers is dedicated to fostering new avenues for trade between Dubai and high-potential global markets. “Our trade mission to the Philippines comes as part of our ongoing drive to enable meaningful international expansion for companies from Dubai and strengthen investment ties with business communities worldwide. These efforts enhance Dubai’s position as a global trade hub and contribute to the sustained growth of its non-oil exports.”
The chamber also highlighted promising sectors for Dubai-based companies to invest in within the Philippines, including tourism, agri-industries, telecommunications, logistics, and healthcare.
Data showed that sensitive non-oil trade between Dubai and the Philippines reached a value of US$837 million in 2024. The number of active Filipino companies registered with Dubai Chamber of Commerce reached 2,154 by the end of last year, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 37 percent.
Dubai Chambers highlighted potential areas for cooperation between the two markets and the competitive value proposition Dubai offers to Filipino companies.
The chamber also organized a series of bilateral business meetings between local companies and their counterparts from Dubai. The meetings were aimed at supporting the expansion of Dubai-based companies into the Philippines, unlocking partnerships with the local business community, and boosting bilateral trade and investments.
The visiting delegation from Dubai featured representatives from 20 private sector companies, spanning a diverse range of sectors including food and beverages, agriculture, automotive, construction, electronics, hospitality, human resources and services, industrial lubricants, investment, and perfume retail. Dubai Chamber of Commerce has identified several high-potential export sectors from Dubai to the Philippines, including leather, car parts, fertilizers, flat-rolled iron/steel, organic chemicals, and flooring materials.
A total of 2,154 businesses from the Philippines were registered as active members of Dubai Chambers at the end of 2024.
