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Events / Geopolitical / Philippines and UAE Sign CEPA
International trade agreement

Philippines and UAE Sign CEPA

Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Jan 13, 2026 · Last updated Jan 13, 2026

Sentiment
60
Attention
4
Articles
8
Market Impact
General
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Market Impact

The signing of the CEPA between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates is expected to boost bilateral trade, increase investment flows, and create new opportunities for businesses and professionals in both nations. This will positively impact the economies of both the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates by reducing tariffs and enhancing market access.

International Trade Logistics Technology
Event Summary

The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on January 13, 2026, during President Bongbong Marcos's visit to Abu Dhabi. This marks the Philippines' first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern country. The agreement, witnessed by President Bongbong Marcos and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to reduce tariffs, enhance market access for goods and services, increase investment flows, and create new opportunities for Filipino professionals in the United Arab Emirates. Key sectors covered include digital trade, MSMEs, sustainable development, intellectual property, and technical cooperation. Preliminary studies suggest the CEPA could boost Philippine exports to the United Arab Emirates by 9.13% and strengthen overall trade linkages with the Gulf region. The agreement also complements existing FTAs of the Philippines and reinforces current agreements between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

Entities Involved
cnt
Philippines
The Philippines signed its first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country, the CEPA, which is expected to boost its exports to the United Arab Emirates by 9.13% and strengthen trade linkages with the Gulf region.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 70.0
cnt
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates signed the CEPA with the Philippines, aiming to enhance market access for goods and services, increase investment flows, and create new opportunities for professionals.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 70.0
per
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
As President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of the CEPA, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global partnerships and economic growth.
Importance 90.0 Sentiment 60.0
per
Bongbong Marcos
As President of the Philippines, Bongbong Marcos witnessed the signing of the CEPA, marking a significant step in the Philippines' global trade expansion.
Importance 90.0 Sentiment 60.0
per
Ma. Cristina Roque
Ma. Cristina Roque, Philippines Secretary of Trade and Industry, formally signed the CEPA on behalf of the Philippines.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment 50.0
per
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, formally signed the CEPA on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment 50.0
Relationships
Philippines related ↔ United Arab Emirates
Philippines related ↔ Bongbong Marcos
United Arab Emirates related ↔ Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
United Arab Emirates related ↔ Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan leader ↔ Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan oversees Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi within the UAE government structure, directing the natio
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