The Philippines is looking to secure more investments from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sovereign wealth funds through the pending Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). An official from the Department of Trade and Industry stated that the CEPA will create a framework for these investments, which is expected to be signed next month.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo noted that even before the free trade agreement is finalized, the UAE’s sovereign wealth funds and private sector have already been heavily investing in private equities within the Philippines, marking a significant interest in the market. He emphasized that the CEPA will enhance the structure through which the Philippines can attract these investments.

Mr. Rodolfo highlighted that Dubai places considerable importance on the CEPA as a gateway for increasing investments from sovereign wealth funds. Data from Global SWF indicates that UAE-managed sovereign wealth funds reached $2.39 trillion as of May 2025. Through the CEPA, the Philippines aims to attract investments specifically in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, digital infrastructure, and high-tech agriculture.

Recently, a delegation of 17 companies from Dubai visited the Philippines to explore potential partnerships. These companies span various sectors, including agriculture, automotive, construction, human resources, hospitality, food and beverages, industrial lubricants, and perfume. Mr. Rodolfo expressed confidence that the CEPA would establish a beneficial framework for these investments, backed by an existing investment protection agreement.

The upcoming Philippines-UAE CEPA will also mark the first free trade agreement between the Philippines and any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country. Mr. Rodolfo pointed out that this agreement will provide access to Dubai and other GCC countries, extending trade opportunities towards Africa.

Salem Al Shamsi, Vice-President for International Relations at Dubai Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that Dubai is already proactively planning how both regions can benefit from the CEPA. He revealed that a Philippine business delegation is being organized to visit Dubai next year. Al Shamsi noted that the CEPA is expected to enhance bilateral trade and create investment opportunities for Dubai companies in the Philippines, which received $193 million in investments from Dubai over the past four years.

Promising Philippine exports to Dubai include leather, car parts, fertilizers, flat-rolled iron or steel, organic chemicals, and flooring materials. The Dubai Chambers have identified tourism, agri-industry, telecommunications, logistics, and healthcare as additional promising sectors for UAE firms looking to invest.

To further strengthen bilateral trade relations, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Dubai Chambers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at exploring new areas of collaboration. PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio described the MOU as a strategic framework for deeper economic partnership, creating concrete pathways for trade collaboration and investment opportunities.

Ms. Mangio noted that the Philippines’ main exports to the UAE consist of electrical equipment, machinery, food products, and steel, while the country’s top imports from the UAE include mineral fuels, plastics, vehicles, and metals. She expressed optimism that the proposed Philippines-UAE FTA will unlock wider market access and greater investment flows for both economies.