TINATARGET ng Pilipinas na makabuo ng isang komprehensibong partnership agreement sa United Arab Emirates sa likod ng trade relations nito sa Middle Eastern country, ayon sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“The proposed comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the UAE is envisioned to cover the usual elements of an FTA (free trade agreement) and other areas of emerging interests,” sabi ng DTI sa isang statement.
Ayon sa DTI, ang interes ng Pilipinas ay kinabibilangan ng fresh at processed fruit, seafood, food products, beverages, electronics, appliances, machinery, personal care goods, iron and steel, wood, cement, chemicals, automotive at automotive parts, ships at aircraft, textile at garments, footwear, at leather.
Gayundin ay sinabi ng DTI na ang posibleng FTA sa UAE “may serve to provide for greater market access for goods and services, enhance investment flows, and ensure more opportunities for economic and technical cooperation.”
“The Philippines recognizes UAE as a valuable trade partner, given that UAE ranked 23rd among the Philippines’ overall trading partners in 2020 and is its 21st largest export market and 26th largest import supplier,” sabi pa ng ahensiya.
Ang UAE ang pinakamalaking export market ng Pilipinas sa Gulf Cooperation Council, kung saan ang exports sa UAE ay bumubuo sa 58.26% ng kabuuang exports ng Pilipinas sa rehiyon.
Pagdating sa investments, ang UAE ay ranked 17th sa investment partners ng Pilipinas noong 2019, kung saan 87% ng investments ay napunta sa manufacturing.