Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers (AEM) Chair Ma. Cristina Roque said the AEM Retreat endorsed the Philippines’ priority economic deliverables.

“The retreat endorsed the Philippines’ priority economic deliverables, covering semiconductors, critical minerals, creative industries, and AI (artificial intelligence), and this is aimed at strengthening ASEAN’s investment appeal and regional resilience,” Roque said in a briefing in Taguig City on Friday.

“So this is the foundation for manufacturing and industrial development.”

The Philippines’ Chairship allows the country to set priorities, advance initiatives aligned with national interests, and enhance the country’s visibility and influence in discussions with ASEAN and its development partners, creating opportunities to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The Philippine Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) cover a diverse range of areas of trade, such as energy, agriculture, strategic trade management, micro, small and medium enterprises and AI, as well as ASEAN’s efforts to advance the sustainable and green agenda.

“We really were able to discuss a lot of items that are quiet, that are relevant to ASEAN,” Roque said.

“The ministers consulted with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, which was the ABAC, and we welcomed its theme, Prosperity for All, emphasizing that ASEAN initiatives must deliver tangible benefits for people and businesses, meaning the private sector and government should work together hand in hand to make sure that we get the programs or we get the deliverables done.”

Roque said Economic Ministers also discussed how member countries can navigate the ongoing Middle East conflict and how to mitigate its impact on economies. (PNA)