go through Chloe Mari A. Hufana, reporter
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos (Ferdinand R.
On the second day of 46 as ASEAN-GCC National Coordinator saidTh Mr Marcos highlighted the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the need to transcend traditional trade, proposing new links in areas such as digital economy, e-commerce and sustainable development.
He cited the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, a platform to deepen cooperation with Gulf countries on interoperable standards, finance and emerging technologies.
Mr Marcos said there was a urgent need to diversify trade relations, which he said was still too concentrated in certain sectors.
“Our current trade model remains limited in scope,” he said. “To unleash the full commitment of our partnership, we must go beyond traditional trade and leverage our complementary strengths.”
He said the two regions should use ASEAN’s thriving digital economy and a young, tech-savvy population while leveraging investment capital, energy assets and logistics infrastructure from the GCC.
He also seeks to establish a mutually recognized halal certification system to establish a trusted halal value chain between ASEAN and the GCC.
“This will reduce regulatory friction and create a strong export platform for our MSME and agri-food producers,” he said.
Mr. Marcos used the forum to contribute even greater to the Loss and Loss (FRLD) now hosted by the Philippines to cope with Loss and Loss (FRLD), describing it as a vital financing mechanism for vulnerable countries facing sea level rise, desertification and biodiversity losses.
“The custody of FRLD in the Philippines will accelerate the unhindered entry of developing countries into climate financing,” he said.
Marcos said labor mobility remains the main pillar of ASEAN’s international behavioural links, citing more than 2.7 million ASEAN citizens, of which more than 2 million are working in the Philippine countries and in the Gulf countries. He cited the need for continued efforts and labor protection measures and pointed out their contribution to the host and family economy.
As the Philippines prepares to lead ASEAN in 2026, Mr. Marcos promises to strengthen global partnerships, including with the GCC.
He reiterated the country’s non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the period 2027-2028, citing the success of peace-building in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, an example of what could help international peace efforts.
bimp-aga tie
Meanwhile, in a separate speech to 16Th Mr. Marcos called for deeper economic integration and innovation-driven cooperation among Eastern Asia subregional partners, highlighting the progress made under Bloc’s Vision 2025 2025 Roadmap, but in the East Asia Summit Growth Area (BIMP-AGA), Mr. Marcos called for deeper economic integration and innovation-driven cooperation to achieve deeper economic integration and innovation-driven cooperation.
He stressed that business growth since 2017 is attributed to the regional agreement’s strategic initiatives in trade promotion, cross-border infrastructure and green development to improve economic outcomes in less developed regions in the region.
“We have deepened our cooperation since 2017 and our partnerships have brought tangible benefits to our people,” he said. “We have laid a stronger foundation for inclusive, sustainable and innovation-driven growth.”
Founded in 1994, BIMP-AGA is a subregional cooperation program for underdeveloped but resource-rich regions in four participating countries. The group attempts to bridge the economic gap through infrastructure investment, cross-border trade and ecotourism promotion.
He noted that successful joint initiatives to advance the region’s development goals were successfully promoted, especially in terms of logistics, energy interconnection and green infrastructure.
Connectivity investments, including port and airport upgrades, digital infrastructure and power interconnections, help promote greater mobility of goods and people.
Mr. Marcos has made great progress in food and energy security, ecotourism and green investment, which is key to positioning Bimp-Aga as a resilient growth corridor for global uncertainty.
According to the ASEAN annual report, ASEAN’s collective gross domestic product (GDP) is US$3.8 trillion in 2023. The region ranks among the world’s third largest trading group, with total trade reaching US$3.5 trillion.
On the sidelines of 46Th At the ASEAN summit, the Philippines and Thailand reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties with a focus on strategic sectors such as agriculture, electronics, artificial intelligence and precious metals.
Mr. Marcos also met with the Cambodian Prime Minister Huns on the sidelines of the summit, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Mr Marcos believes that trade between the two countries has risen since 2023, citing increased exports of Philippine cars to Cambodia as the main driver of growth. “I hope we can continue these discussions in terms of trade, defense and potential defense cooperation.”
The Huns made an official visit to Manila in February, urging ASEAN economies to capitalize on the complementarity of supply chains and diversify in the face of global trade disruptions. He added: “There are thousands of products that can find complementarity.”
Mr. Marcos met with Thai Prime Minister Paeton Tarn Shinawatra on the first day of Monday’s summit, both leaders worked to leverage innovation and economic complementation to drive inclusive and sustainable regional growth.
The President welcomed the interest of a leading Thai agricultural company in investing in the Philippines, citing the important role of public-private partnerships in accelerating national development.
He noted the “huge potential” of collaboration in electronics, artificial intelligence, copper, vehicle wiring and precious metals, noting that stronger trade relations will help balance with Thailand’s trade ledger, the Philippines’ sixth largest trading partner last year.
“I really see that all of these areas have great potential,” said Mr. Marcos. The goal of the Philippines is to increase exports to Thailand for a more balanced trade.
Ms Shinawatra welcomes the opportunity to expand agricultural cooperation from her perspective, highlighting Thailand’s strong investment in R&D.
