Manila, Jan. 14 -- The Philippines on Tuesday signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking Manila's first pact with a Gulf state and a milestone in expanding its global trade footprint.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing and exchange of the historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

Trade Secretary Ma. Christina Roque signed the CEPA on behalf of the Philippines, according to a news release by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The PCO said the CEPA between the Philippines and the U...