DTI chief pushes for finalization of economic partnership deal in UAE visit

Acting Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque led a pivotal four-day official mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Oct. 3 to 5, 2024, focusing on advancing trade and investment cooperation between the Philippines and the Middle East.

The mission centers on finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will be the Philippines’ first trade deal in the Middle East and with a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member. 

Roque met with H.E. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, to advance discussions on the CEPA. 

Acting Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque and UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi/ Contributed photo

“The Philippines is dedicated to solidifying its partnership with the UAE to drive economic growth and open new doors for Filipino entrepreneurs,” Roque said. “The finalization of the CEPA will not only strengthen our bilateral trade but also set the foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.”

The two nations have progressed significantly in their CEPA negotiations, which aim to enhance trade, streamline investments, and promote economic cooperation.

The CEPA was officially proposed on Dec. 8, 2021, followed by the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent in February 2022. A terms of reference (TOR) was subsequently established in December 2023, while the first and second rounds of negotiations took place in May and July 2024, respectively.


Acting Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and members of the Philippine mission/ Contributed photo 

Roque’s visit underscores the goal of finalizing the deal by the end of 2024, a year that coincides with the 50th anniversary of PH-UAE bilateral relations.

Throughout her visit, Roque highlighted investment sectors such as agribusiness, renewable energy, information technology, and tourism. 

Her mission reinforces the Philippines’ efforts to expand its global trade footprint and strengthen its economic ties with key international partners.

Roque was joined by Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Special Envoy of the President to the UAE for Trade and Investments; Karen Santos, Special Envoy to the UAE for Arts and Culture; Benito Techico, Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China for Trade, Tourism, and Investment; and Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver,  Philippine Ambassador to the UAE.

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