UAE and Philippines Forge Economic Partnership with New Agreement
January 13, 2026770 VuesTemps de lecture: 2 minutes
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In a significant move reflecting the UAE's expanding economic influence in Asia, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. This agreement marks a new phase of trade and investment cooperation, deepening bilateral relations.
Strengthening Ties
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed emphasized that the relationship between the UAE and the Philippines continues to evolve based on a shared vision for mutual interests and sustainable growth opportunities. He expressed hope that this agreement would serve as a turning point in economic cooperation between the two nations.
He highlighted that the agreement embodies the UAE's approach to building effective international partnerships that contribute to prosperity and create opportunities for future generations.
Positive Reception in the Philippines
President Marcos welcomed the signing of the agreement, viewing it as a strategic step to enhance economic cooperation, and reaffirmed his country's commitment to implementing its provisions to achieve shared development goals.
Key Sectors and Mutual Benefits
Signed during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the agreement aims to lower tariffs, remove trade barriers, and boost bilateral investments, focusing on vital sectors such as electrical equipment, financial services, agriculture, and precious metals.
It also aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen supply chains, and facilitate knowledge transfer between the private sectors of both countries.
Trade Figures Highlight Partnership Strength
The value of non-oil trade between the UAE and the Philippines reached $940 million in 2024, with $853.7 million recorded in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a remarkable annual growth of 22.4%.
The UAE is the largest market for Philippine exports in the Arab and African regions and ranks seventeenth globally among its trade partners.
Part of a Broader Emirati Strategy
This agreement is part of the UAE's broader global economic partnership program, which is a key pillar of its plan to increase non-oil trade to $1.1 trillion by 2031 and enhance its position as a global trade and investment hub.
