MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday signed a free trade agreement (FTA) which is expected to significantly expand Philippine market access in the Middle East.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing and exchange of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Summit at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.
The CEPA is the Philippines’ first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern country, marking a milestone in expanding the nation’s global trade footprint.
The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, enhance market access for goods and services, increase investment flows, and create new opportunities for Filipino professionals and service providers in the UAE.
