Dubai Chamber Of Commerce Successfully Organises 180 Bilateral Business Meetings In Manila To Boost Trade Relations

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce recently facilitated 180 business meetings between companies from Dubai and the Philippines. This initiative was part of their trade mission to Southeast Asia, which included visits to both the Philippines and Thailand. The mission is a segment of the 'New Horizons' initiative, designed to help local businesses expand into promising international markets.

Representatives from 17 private sector companies in Dubai participated in the trade mission to the Philippines. These companies operate across various sectors such as food and beverages, agriculture, automotive, construction, electronics, hospitality, human resources and services, industrial lubricants, investment, and perfume retail.

Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, stated: "We are dedicated to fostering new avenues for trade between Dubai and high-potential global markets. Our trade mission to the Philippines comes as part of our ongoing drive to enable meaningful international expansion for local companies and strengthen investment ties with business communities worldwide. These efforts enhance Dubai’s position as a global trade hub and contribute to the sustained growth of its non-oil exports."

During the mission in Manila, a business forum titled ‘Doing Business with the Philippines’ was organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce. This event was held in collaboration with several organisations including the Embassy of the UAE in Manila and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The forum featured speeches from Enunina V. Mangio, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investment. The event attracted 314 participants.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Dubai Chambers and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry during this forum. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation, strengthen bilateral trade relations, and explore new areas for collaboration between businesses in Dubai and the Philippines.

Trade Opportunities

Diverse opportunities were highlighted during a presentation by Dubai Chambers showcasing Dubai's strategic advantages as a global business hub. The presentation underscored potential areas for cooperation between both markets while emphasising Dubai's competitive value proposition for Filipino companies.

In 2024, non-oil trade between Dubai and the Philippines reached AED3.1 billion. By last year’s end, there were 2,154 active Filipino companies registered with Dubai Chamber of Commerce—a growth rate of about 37% year-over-year.

Potential Sectors for Growth

The chamber identified several high-potential export sectors from Dubai to the Philippines including leather goods, car parts, fertilisers, flat-rolled iron/steel products, organic chemicals, and flooring materials.

Additionally, promising sectors for investment by Dubai-based companies within the Philippines were highlighted. These include tourism, agri-industries, telecommunications, logistics, and healthcare.

This strategic initiative underscores efforts to bolster economic ties between these regions while promoting mutual growth opportunities across various industries.

With inputs from WAM