The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) President Victor Lim issued an official statement today, commending the Philippine delegation led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. along with Special Envoy to the United Arab Emirates Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel for securing the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The PH-UAE CEPA, the Philippines’ historic first free trade agreement (FTA) with a Middle Eastern country, was signed on the sidelines of President Marcos’ participation at the recent Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit.
This achievement, according to Lim, “solidifies years of strategic engagement transforming into a bilateral trade relationship.”
“By championing partnerships across trade, investment, digitalization, and sustainability, the CEPA unlocks unprecedented opportunity,” he added.
Aside from focusing on manpower resources, Lim urges the government and all sectors to also boost the export of Philippine products to the whole Middle East.
Acknowledging the exemplary work of Envoy Pimental, the FFCCCII head said, “This achievement is precisely the kind of positive, forward-looking diplomacy that fuels sustainable Philippine economic development, creates prosperity, and tangibly benefits the lives of the Filipino people.”
He stressed, “The FFCCCII stands ready to actively support efforts to harness the vast potential this new chapter presents for increased Philippines-Middle East trade and economic cooperation.”
