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| Screenshot from RTVM |
PASAY CITY (PIA) — The Philippines is pushing stronger regional economic cooperation as ASEAN ministers tackle supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions and uncertainty in global markets during the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings in Manila.
Philippine ASEAN Economic Community Council core representative and Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said ASEAN must strengthen its ability to respond collectively to challenges it cannot control individually.
“As an economic community, we cannot control all these external pressures and challenges, but we can strengthen our ability to respond to them together,” Gepty said during a press briefing Friday, ahead of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings.
The Philippines’ push for a more resilient, connected and competitive ASEAN economy supports the Marcos administration’s focus on strengthening economic growth, improving investment opportunities and deepening regional partnerships.
19 priority economic deliverables
Gepty said the Philippines’ 19 priority economic deliverables under its ASEAN chairship are designed to address both immediate economic challenges and long-term regional competitiveness.
The priorities cover digitalization and artificial intelligence, energy security, resilient supply chains, sustainable development, investment, micro, small and medium enterprises, and the creative economy.
He said 2026 marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
The ministers will therefore focus on translating long-term commitments into concrete policies, programs and projects.
“Many of these issues are already affecting our economies today. Others will shape our competitiveness in the years ahead,” Gepty said.
Trade, investment and supply chains
Trade and investment will remain central to the ministerial discussions, including reviews of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement and upgrades to the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
The ministers will also discuss the possible modernization of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and work toward the substantial conclusion of ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement negotiations.
Gepty said the region must ensure that trade agreements keep pace with the way businesses operate today.
“We need rules that support resilient supply chains, facilitate trade and allow our businesses to compete in changing markets,” he said.
The ministers will also discuss implementation and the general review of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Energy security, semiconductor industry
Energy security is another key priority as ASEAN responds to changing global conditions.
Gepty highlighted the operationalization of the ASEAN Power Grid, the ratification of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement and efforts to support renewable energy investments through the regional investment promotion action plan.
He said ASEAN must also look toward green energy as it addresses fuel-related challenges.
The ASEAN semiconductor road map is another priority, with the goal of strengthening the region’s competitiveness in semiconductors and electronics.
Gepty said the road map will guide investment priorities, technology development and workforce needs, including skills for IC design, assembly, testing and packaging.
He said the broader ASEAN region, including its RCEP partners, accounts for around 70% of global semiconductor and electronics output.
Bringing economic agenda to businesses
The Philippines is also bringing the ASEAN economic agenda beyond ministerial meeting rooms through business and industry events involving MSMEs, investors, technology companies and other stakeholders.
These include the ASEAN Creative Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy, ASEAN MSME Summit, inclusive business forum and business dialogue on ASEAN’s digital economy.
Gepty said consultations with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council will help inform discussions on supply chains, trade facilitation, digital economy, circular economy and sustainability.
The outcomes will also help prepare economic discussions for the 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits in November.
He said the Philippines’ chairship aims to strengthen digital and physical connectivity, improve energy security, advance sustainability and resilience, and deliver on the region’s economic commitments.
“We want to make sure that ASEAN is preparing not only for the challenges we face today, but also for what comes next,” Gepty said. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
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