The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has successfully organised 180 bilateral business meetings in Manila as part of a strategic trade mission aimed at strengthening economic ties between Dubai and the Philippines.
Marking the first leg of its Southeast Asia outreach under the ‘New Horizons’ initiative, the chamber brought together representatives from 17 Dubai-based companies across key sectors, including food and beverages, construction, electronics, and investment, to explore expansion and collaboration opportunities in the Philippines.
The initiative is designed to support the global growth of Dubai’s private sector and deepen trade relations with high-potential markets. Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, emphasised the mission’s role in positioning Dubai as a global trade hub and promoting its non-oil exports.
As part of the visit, the chamber hosted a business forum titled Doing Business with the Philippines, held in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Manila and major Philippine trade bodies. The event attracted 314 participants and featured keynote speeches from trade and investment leaders from both countries.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Dubai Chambers and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.
Dubai Chambers also presented Dubai’s strategic advantages to Filipino businesses, showcasing sectors such as leather, car parts, and organic chemicals as key export opportunities. It also identified investment potential in the Philippines’ tourism, logistics, and healthcare sectors.
Non-oil trade between the two markets reached AED3.1 billion in 2024, while the number of Filipino companies registered with Dubai Chamber rose by 37% year-over-year to 2,154 by the end of the same year.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
