UAE, Philippines trade talks look at strengthening investment ties

The UAE and the Philippines have held trade talks following the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) last July, with an aim at enhance trade cooperation and investment opportunities.

The meeting between the UAE delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thain bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and the Philippines Business Council in the UAE, looked at ways to build and expand partnerships between the business communities and the private sector on both sides.

During the meeting, Al Zeyoudi highlighted the growing economic partnership between the two countries, with non-oil trade growing to over $257.7 million in the first half of 2025. In 2024, the total volume of non-oil trade reached approximately $940 million.

The UAE is the Philippines’ top export market among Arab and African countries as well as its 17th largest globally, demonstrating the strong foundation on which both nations can further expand collaboration.

"The Philippines is a key trading partner for the UAE in the growing ASEAN region, and we are committed to fostering stronger ties at all levels," Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated. 

With a significant Filipino diaspora residing in the UAE, working primarily in sectors such as construction, healthcare and hospitality, the meeting also aimed to explore how these communities can further contribute to mutual prosperity from the growing economic ties.

The UAE-Philippines CEPA represents a significant addition to the UAE’s global trade programme. The CEPA is forecast to increase the UAE’s GDP by $2.4 billion and increase exports to the Philippines to $7.62 billion by 2032.