January 14, 2026
The Philippines has signed a comprehensive economic agreement with the United Arab Emirates, making it the country’s first free trade pact in the Middle East. The countries had agreed to explore a trade pact in February 2022, with negotiations starting in May 2024 and concluding in 2025. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, enhance market access for goods and services, and increase investment flows. The deal is expected to benefit sectors producing cosmetics, food products, electronics, automotive parts, aircraft parts, and textile products.