PH leads 28th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting

Detailed summary

The Philippines on Saturday led the 28th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting in Manila, as ministers finalized proposals and initiatives to boost the economies of member…

The Philippines on Saturday led the 28th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting in Manila, as ministers finalized proposals and initiatives to boost the economies of member states.

"As we advance the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030, let us match our ambitions with clear milestones, effective coordination, and consistent implementation," Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said during her opening speech.

"The real measure of this plan will not be the number of commitments we make, but the value they add to every business, consumer, worker, and community," she added.

During this meeting, ministers will endorse the outcomes of the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables as ASEAN chair.

This includes the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and finalizing the key economic recommendations and initiatives they will bring to ASEAN Leaders.

"As we finalize our reports and outcomes for the summit, let us give our leaders a clear picture of where ASEAN stands, the challenges we must address, and the opportunities we should pursue together," Roque said.

As the Philippines wraps up its chairmanship of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, several key measures are expected to be finalized to address challenges facing member states.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said these measures aim to address issues including the impacts of the Middle East crisis, food security, and transnational crimes.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will chair the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from November 15 to 17. —KG, GMA News

Opening of the article, excerpted from GMA News. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.