Overview of PH-UAE CEPA Agenda
The PH–UAE CEPA covers a wide range of areas including goods and services, investment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digitalization, tariffs, governance, and sustainability.
Once concluded, the PH–UAE CEPA will become the first free trade agreement that the Philippines signs with a Middle Eastern country.
Background of PH–UAE CEPA Negotiations
The UAE is the Philippines' largest export market among Arab and African countries. The signing of the CEPA will lay a stronger foundation for enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies among ASEAN member states and serves as a key logistics and manufacturing hub. In 2024, the country recorded a 5.6% economic growth rate, making it the second fastest-growing economy in the ASEAN region. It is now ranked as the 4th largest economy in the world, boasting a GDP of USD 4.13 trillion.
A significant number of Filipino expatriates live in the UAE, working in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality. The CEPA is expected to maximize mutual prosperity through greater exchange and cooperation in human resources.
Key Milestones of PH-UAE CEPA
- 1974.08
- The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations.
- 2022.02
- The Philippines and the UAE officially announced the launch of CEPA negotiations.
- 2023.12
- Both countries signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for CEPA negotiations.
- 2024.05
- The first round of negotiations for the PH–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was completed.
- 2025.10
- The Philippine side announced that the signing is scheduled for November.
- 2025.11
- The PH–UAE CEPA was officially signed.
Hosting of the Government Experience Exchange Forum
In September 2025, the two governments held the Government Experience Exchange Forum.
This forum was organized as part of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the UAE. Its aim was to accelerate bilateral priorities and explore ways to develop innovative solutions for achieving sustainable development.
Both sides discussed ways to strengthen integration in shaping the Philippines’ future vision, enhance socioeconomic development, and reinforce government agility in responding to global changes through creativity and resilience.
Forum participants explored how to accelerate development pathways by leveraging advanced technologies and how to build a flexible government model that equips national talent with future-oriented skills to adapt to global transformations.
Investment Opportunities
Enhanced cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, and electrical equipment Aims to eliminate trade barriers and facilitate investment flows between the Philippines and the UAE
Holding the 'Government Experience Exchange Forum' between the Two Countries Subsequently, the need to promote the "activation of skilled workforce mobility" and "technology-based joint research projects" at the private sector level is mentioned.
Enhancing Mutual Cooperation through the Signing of the PH–UAE CEPA
Key Feature:
A significant number of Filipino nationals are employed in the UAE, particularly in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
Key Feature:
The UAE is the largest export market for the Philippines in the Arab and African regions.
Mutual Cooperation
Mutual recognition of professional qualifications, facilitation of labor mobility, and exchange of digital-based services were identified as priority topics for bilateral dialogue.
Both sides also explored opportunities for joint ventures across various sectors, including: Energy, Agri-food, Technology Startups, Healthcare, Educational Services.