Dubai Chamber of Commerce signs MoU with Philippine Chamber to enhance trade ties, hosting 180 business meetings and targeting key sectors for bilateral cooperation.
Manila: As part of its New Horizons initiative, Dubai Chamber of Commerce has successfully hosted 180 bilateral business meetings in Manila, strengthening Dubai–Philippines trade ties. The mission marks a strategic move to boost international expansion for Dubai-based companies, particularly in Southeast Asia.
The trade delegation included 17 Dubai private sector firms across food and beverages, agriculture, automotive, electronics, construction, hospitality, HR, lubricants, investments, and perfume retail. These meetings facilitated direct engagement with Filipino counterparts, identifying shared opportunities in trade and investment.
Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, noted, “Our mission to the Philippines supports meaningful international expansion for Dubai firms and strengthens ties with promising global markets. These efforts reaffirm Dubai’s role as a global trade hub.”
A highlight of the mission was the business forum ‘Doing Business with the Philippines,’ hosted in partnership with the UAE Embassy in Manila and key Filipino trade authorities. The event was attended by 314 delegates and saw a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The agreement aims to deepen bilateral relations and explore collaborative business opportunities.
Speakers included UAE Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Mohamed Obaid Al Qataam Al Zaabi, PCCI President H.E. Enunina V. Mangio, and Trade Envoy Ms. Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel. The forum featured a presentation on Dubai’s strategic advantages, aimed at encouraging Filipino businesses to explore opportunities in the emirate.
Non-oil trade between Dubai and the Philippines reached AED 3.1 billion in 2024. Dubai is now home to 2,154 active Filipino businesses—a 37% increase from 2023. Key Dubai export sectors to the Philippines include leather, car parts, fertilisers, and steel, while investment opportunities abound in Philippine tourism, telecom, logistics, and healthcare.
By promoting Dubai–Philippines trade, the chamber continues to empower economic synergy, opening new gateways for growth in both markets.
