UAE, Philippines sign landmark CEPA to boost trade, investment

January 13, 2026 / 6:21 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of the Philippines have formalised a new chapter in their economic relations with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement was signed during an official ceremony witnessed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Philippines President His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, marking a significant step in bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

UAE President highlights growing bilateral ties

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the UAE-Philippines relationship continues to flourish, driven by a shared vision to expand cooperation in ways that serve the mutual interests of both nations. He expressed confidence that the CEPA would advance bilateral collaboration, support shared development goals, and reflect the UAE’s commitment to building global partnerships that foster economic growth, prosperity, and long-term opportunities.

CEPA details and signing

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Her Excellency Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Philippines Secretary of Trade and Industry, on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The CEPA is designed to reduce trade barriers and tariffs, enhance investment flows, create opportunities in key sectors such as electrical equipment, financial services, agriculture, and precious metals, strengthen private-sector collaboration, improve supply chains, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support SMEs in expanding globally.

Trade growth and economic impact

The UAE-Philippines CEPA builds on a long history of economic cooperation. Bilateral non-oil trade reached US$940 million (AED 3.5 billion) in 2024 and surpassed US$853.7 million in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 22.4 percent year-on-year increase. The UAE is the Philippines’ top export market among Arab and African countries and its 17th largest trade partner globally. The agreement is also projected to increase the UAE’s GDP by US$2.4 billion by 2032.

CEPA’s role in UAE foreign trade strategy

The CEPA programme is a central part of the UAE’s foreign trade strategy, which aims to raise non-oil foreign trade to US$1.1 trillion by 2031. In 2024, the programme contributed to a record US$810 billion in non-oil trade, marking a 14 percent increase year-on-year. With 32 agreements concluded and 14 already in force, the CEPA initiative demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to open, rules-based trade to drive economic growth, diversify the economy, and expand opportunities for UAE businesses in high-growth international markets.