The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to provide a long-term boost to the resilience of the Philippine economy.

The CEPA was signed Tuesday on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Summit at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, with Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque signing for the Philippines, according to a statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) released Wednesday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), in a separate statement, described the CEPA as “a landmark step in expanding Philippine trade, investment, and global market access.”

“The UAE serves not only as a major destination for Philippine exports but also as a global gateway linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe,” PCCI President Perry Ferrer said.

He said the agreement provides exporters, investors and small and medium enterprises with a stronger platform to expand in the UAE and the wider Middle East.

Ferrer added the CEPA will help diversify the Philippines’ trade partnerships and reduce reliance on traditional export markets. By leveraging the UAE’s logistics and re-export networks, the agreement strengthens trade resilience and supports long-term growth.

He said the deal opens new opportunities in food and agriculture, manufacturing, construction materials, and digital and professional services, while allowing Filipino service providers to compete under more predictable and non-discriminatory conditions.

“Finally, we have an agreement that will allow our small businesses to export products, offer services, and partner with UAE companies more easily,” Ferrer said. (PNA)