Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized the Philippines’ push towards a more integrated, resilient, and sustainable Indo-Pacific region at the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum.
Roque emphasized to the attending global leaders the critical role of free, fair, and open trade in securing the region’s long-term economic future.
“We are not merely participants in this transformation—we are leading the charge.”
“The Indo-Pacific is the engine of the global economy, contributing 60% of global GDP and over 80% of global merchandise trade. The Philippines, with its strategic location and dynamic economy, is poised to shape the region’s economic landscape,” she said. “We are not merely participants in this transformation—we are leading the charge.”
The Philippines has been actively engaging in major free trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
“Our engagement in mechanisms like the IPEF reflects our commitment to pursue bilateral trade and overall economic interests with the United States (US) and other partner countries. It supports strategic collaboration in priority sectors, including energy and energy transition, climate mitigation and resiliency, good governance, supply chains, and critical minerals,” the trade chief said.
The Philippines works with the US to expand market access in global manufacturing value chains. This includes exploring a potential bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), while advocating for the reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences, and pursuing the establishment of a critical minerals agreement.
Reinforcing these efforts, the proposed US-Philippines Partnership Act includes negotiations for a critical minerals agreement and support for projects in mining, fossil fuels, and infrastructure. All these align with the policy direction of the US to diversify businesses and supply chains beyond traditional sources.
“With the renewed interest under the Trump administration, we are optimistic about negotiating a next-generation trade agreement.”
“With the renewed interest under the Trump administration, we are optimistic about negotiating a next-generation trade agreement that not only expands market access, but also ensures the highest standards of labor rights, environmental protection, and social inclusivity,” the trade chief underscored.
Aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic agenda, the trade head outlined key legislative amendments designed to boost the business climate while safeguarding national security. These include the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act.
To capitalize on these policy advancements, the DTI prioritizes building international collaborations and implementing targeted trade strategies to stimulate industrial growth, enhance export performance, and draw long-term investments.
These strategies include leveraging FTA to access new markets and expand trade opportunities, as well as engaging in bilateral trade frameworks like Joint Economic Cooperation and the Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation.
The IPEF is a regional economic initiative anchored on four key pillars—Trade, Supply Chains, Clean Economy, and Fair Economy—to bolster resilience, sustainability, and good governance.
Led by the United States, the framework covers Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
