Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr is set to visit the UAE this January, as the Philippines and the UAE prepare to sign a landmark trade agreement expected to deepen economic ties between the two countries. The visit was confirmed by Philippine Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso during his first media briefing in Dubai on Monday (January 5). “The President is traveling here in January and we are on the verge of a breakthrough — UAE and Philippines — in terms of economic partnership,” Enciso said. “That will open a lot of doors.”

CEPA signing expected mid-January

Marcos is expected to be in the UAE between January 13 and 14 to oversee the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Enciso said. Philippine trade officials are expected to be in the UAE from January 11 to 14. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said the agreement is targeted to be finalised during the President’s visit. The CEPA will be the Philippines’ first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern country and a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Negotiations began in May 2024 and were concluded in May 2025, following earlier discussions that started as far back as February 2022. DTI data show the CEPA is designed to liberalise at least 90 percent of tariff lines and trade value, giving Philippine exporters improved access to the UAE and the wider GCC market. The UAE currently ranks as the Philippines’ 17th largest trading partner and is the country’s top export destination within the GCC. It is also one of the largest destinations for Filipino workers abroad. Key Philippine exports expected to benefit include halal-certified goods, tropical fruits, garments, and premium consumer products.

Focus on investments and manufacturing

Roque said the Philippine delegation will also meet with UAE-based investors during the visit, with a strong push to attract manufacturing projects. She will join the delegation alongside Finance Secretary Frederick Go, who previously served as the President’s adviser on investment and economic affairs. Once signed, the UAE CEPA will become the Philippines’ fourth bilateral free trade agreement, following deals with Japan in 2006, European Free Trade Association in 2016, and South Korea in 2023. Roque added that the Philippines is also preparing for a free trade agreement with the European Union in 2026, the country’s first trade pact with Chile; as well as initial talks for a Philippines–Canada free trade agreement in early 2026. PIA/CAM/MFD/Expat Media
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