Philippine businesses and exporters said the signing of the Philippines-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the country’s first bilateral free trade agreement in the Middle East, opens greater opportunities for trade, investment and global market expansion.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport) said the FTA between the Philippines and UAE strengthens ties with one of the Middle East’s most important commercial hubs, giving Filipino exporters, investors, and SMEs greater access to a high-income, highly connected market.
“The UAE serves not only as a major destination for Philippine exports but also as a global gateway linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. With CEPA, exporters, investors, and SMEs now have a stronger platform to grow not only in the UAE but across the wider Middle East and beyond,” PCCI President Perry Ferrer said.
(Photo credit: PCCI Photo)
The Chamber highlighted how this will help diversify the Philippines’ trade partnerships, reducing reliance on a limited number of traditional export markets.
“By opening new channels through the UAE’s logistics and re-export networks, CEPA makes Philippine trade more resilient and better positioned for long-term growth,” Ferrer added.
PCCI welcomed the new opportunities CEPA opens in food and agriculture, manufacturing, construction materials, and digital and professional services, and in enabling Filipino service providers – from ICT and BPO to healthcare and tourism – to compete under more predictable and non-discriminatory conditions.
The Chamber further commended the provisions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Finally, we have an agreement that will now allow our small businesses to export products, offer services, and partner with UAE companies more easily,” Ferrer said.
In terms of investment, PCCI highlighted the agreement’s framework for UAE investment into the country that is expected to bring capital, technology, and jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, digital trade, and energy.
PCCI urged strong implementation of the agreement through clear rules, trade facilitation, and active business engagement. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work with government partners in promoting CEPA and helping Filipino firms translate this milestone into concrete export growth, investment flows, and job creation.
For its part, Philexport said the CEPA marked a strategic milestone in expanding the Philippines’ economic relations and partnerships in the Middle East.
PHILEXPORT acknowledged the UAE not only as a keyexport destination but also as a gateway to broader markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Africa, and beyond.
“The signing of the CEPA with the UAE is a major boost for Philippine exporters and for the country as a whole,” said Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., PHILEXPORT President. “The UAE is not only one of our important export destinations but also a strategic hub for global trade. This agreement will help Philippine exporters expand their presence in the Middle East and beyond, while creating new opportunities for investment, jobs, and inclusive growth at home.”
With nearly USD390 million in exports to the UAE last year and strong growth momentum into 2025, this agreement is expected to deepen market access, reduce barriers, and enhance competitiveness for Filipino exporters especially in key sectors and hubs such as electronics, food and agribusiness, machinery, and tropical fruits like bananas and pineapples and their value chains.
“This CEPA aligns with our national export growth strategies by providing clearer rules, lower tariffs, and greater predictability for exports,” said Ortiz-Luis. “It not only benefits established exporters, but also creates pathways for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to scale up, compete internationally, and contribute to inclusive growth across Filipino communities.”
PHILEXPORT lauded the government’s negotiating team for securing an agreement that advances national development objectives while addressing the needs of the export sector.
The Confederation said it is looking forward to working closely with government agencies, industry partners, and regional stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Philippines–UAE CEPA and to maximize its benefits for exporters and the Filipino people.
