12/05/2026
READ: PHILIPPINES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES DEEPEN STRATEGIC COOPERATION ON CEPA AND AI DEVELOPMENT UNDER PAX SILICA
ABU DHABI, 04 MAY 2026 – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo met with UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, to discuss strategic cooperation under the recently signed Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and align AI strategies in connection with the US-led Pax Silica initiative.
The high-level discussion follows the Philippines’ recent accession to the Pax Silica alliance and the announcement of a partnership with the United States to establish a 4,000-acre AI-native industrial acceleration hub in Luzon.
Both sides underscored that access to water, power, and AI technologies are critical infrastructure to support massive requirements of the Luzon AI-native hub. Minister Al Zeyoudi, the lead UAE signatory for PH-UAE CEPA, and Undersecretary Rodolfo discussed how UAE’s advanced infrastructure can support high-end AI processing and energy solutions to strengthen AI development in Philippines. Minister Al Zeyoudi further shared insights on integrating AI tools to boost trade and accelerate investments flows. “There is strong complementarity between Philippine mineral resources, skilled workforce, strong semiconductor and chip manufacturing sector and UAE’s capital-intensive AI infrastructure," said Undersecretary Rodolfo. "As we build the Luzon AI-native hub, our partnership under CEPA and the Pax Silica framework ensures that both nations remain at the forefront of the global digital economy."
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver added that mutual inclusion in the Pax Silica alliance is a force multiplier for existing bilateral agreements. “PH’s accession in the Pax Silica alliance, where UAE is also a key party, further solidifies our bilateral trade and investment frameworks, such as the CEPA and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA). This signifies that Philippines and the UAE are no longer just traditional trading partners; they are now strategic tech-allies", said Ambassador Ver.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, the lead PH signatory for PH-UAE CEPA, emphasized that high-level visits to the UAE have been productive in bridging strategic interests of both nations. “Collective efforts made by the Marcos Jr. administration, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in the UAE, mark the country’s strong commitment to enhance our economic ties”, stated by Secretary Roque.
Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investments Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel added “The CEPA that we recently signed made these meaningful discussions possible. The agreement provides the framework for stronger cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE. We thank His Highness Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi for his steadfast and sincere commitment to helping the Philippines. As the UAE is a global leader in artificial intelligence, Filipino engineers, IT professionals, and innovators stand to benefit greatly from this growing partnership. Furthermore, it supports the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to position the Philippines as a future regional hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technology.”
Underecretary Rodolfo was in the region to participate in an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Critical Minerals Forum and visit countries in the Pax Silica alliance. While in UAE, the Undersecretary also met with key partners in the UAE’s energy and high-tech sectors.
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates are deepening cooperation on trade and artificial intelligence development following high-level talks between