DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque promoted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) priority investment sectors agribusiness, renewable energy, information technology, and tourism in a four-day official visit to that country that concluded on Saturday.
Roque said in a statement the UAE government is eager to invest in sectors such as infrastructure, railways, renewable energy, data centers/AI, real estate, and health.
Aside from advancing the Philippines’ trade and investment agenda in the Middle East, Roque led high-level discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a meeting with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
“The finalization of the CEPA will not only strengthen our bilateral trade but also set the foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation,” Roque said in a statement
CEPA will be the Philippines’ first trade deal in the Middle East and with a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member and is targeted for conclusion by the end of 2024 coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Philippines-UAE bilateral relations.
“We aim to tap into the UAE’s strategic position as a gateway to the broader Gulf region, creating a wealth of opportunities for Filipino businesses.
