Dubai Chambers Hosts Philippine First Lady To Advance Trade And Economic Cooperation

Dubai Chambers hosts Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines, to discuss stronger economic cooperation. The agenda includes enhancing business links, as non-oil bilateral trade reaches AED3.1 billion during 2024 and 2,508 Philippine companies are active members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting at Dubai Chambers’ headquarters features Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers. Dubai Chambers presents Dubai’s strategic advantages for Philippine firms, highlighting logistics links, infrastructure, investment regulations, and possible sectors for joint projects.

Al Mansoori states, "This visit represents an important step in strengthening the relationship between Dubai and the Philippines and creating new opportunities for cooperation between our business communities. We are committed to supporting Philippine companies and enabling them to expand regionally and internationally by leveraging Dubai’s competitive advantages, including its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and business-friendly environment." His remarks underline Dubai Chambers’ role as a key partner.

Al Mansoori added, "Dubai Chambers remains committed to strengthening international economic partnerships, expanding trade cooperation, and identifying strategic opportunities that advance mutual growth, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and investment." The focus remains on long-term collaboration, with Dubai positioned as a central platform serving markets across the Middle East and beyond.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce, operating under the Dubai Chambers umbrella, organises a trade mission to the Philippines last year with 17 Dubai private sector companies from multiple industries. During the mission, the chamber arranges 180 bilateral meetings between Dubai delegates and Philippine counterparts to examine possible partnerships, new contracts, and ways to deepen commercial networks.

The chamber also hosts a forum in Manila titled "Doing Business with the Philippines", attended by 314 participants, including business leaders and institutional representatives. On the forum’s sidelines, Dubai Chamber of Commerce signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance bilateral trade relations and seek fresh channels of cooperation.

Growing trade flows, rising membership of Philippine companies, and structured initiatives such as trade missions and forums show how Dubai Chambers and Philippine partners are building a wider economic bridge. These activities support Dubai’s wider strategy for international cooperation and offer Philippine businesses structured access to regional markets from a base in the emirate.

With inputs from WAM