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Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star
January 21, 2026 | 12:00am
In a statement yesterday, FFCCCII president Victor Lim welcomed the signing of the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is the country’s first FTA in the Middle East.
Press Release
MANILA, Philippines — The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is urging the country to take advantage of the recently signed free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through increased exports to the Middle East.
In a statement yesterday, FFCCCII president Victor Lim welcomed the signing of the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is the country’s first FTA in the Middle East.
“By championing partnerships across trade, investment, digitalization and sustainability, the CEPA unlocks unprecedented opportunity,” Lim said.
With the CEPA in place, he urged the government and all sectors to increase the Philippines’ exports to the Middle East.
He also said Philippine exports to the Middle East should not just focus on manpower exports.
Under the CEPA, 95 percent of Philippine exports to the UAE will enjoy preferential tariff treatment or zero tariffs.
These products include personal care and cosmetic items such as hair creams and deodorants; food products like canned tuna, sardines, snacks and condiments; electronic equipment; automotive and aircraft parts and textile and apparel products.
Beyond providing market access through preferential tariff, the CEPA provides clearer and more predictable rules for businesses operating in key service sectors, including professional services, construction, retail, information technology - business process management and tourism.
It also covers cooperation in priority areas such as digital trade; micro small and medium enterprises; trade and sustainable development; intellectual property rights protection and enforcement; competition and consumer protection government procurement and economic and technical cooperation.
