DTI Chief: PH Drives Indo-Pacific Economic Integration

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque underscored the Philippines’ leadership in fostering an integrated, resilient, and sustainable Indo-Pacific region during the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum on February 4.

She emphasized to global leaders the importance of free, fair, and open trade in ensuring the region’s long-term economic stability.

“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,” Roque said. “We are not merely participants in this transformation—we are leading the charge.”

The Philippines is actively engaged in major free trade agreements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

“Our participation in mechanisms like the IPEF reflects our commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties with the United States and other partner countries. It fosters collaboration in priority sectors, including energy transition, climate resilience, good governance, supply chains, and critical minerals,” she added.

The Philippines and the U.S. are working to expand market access in global manufacturing value chains, exploring a potential bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), advocating for the reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and pursuing a critical minerals agreement.

Supporting these efforts, the proposed U.S.-Philippines Partnership Act seeks to enhance cooperation in mining, fossil fuels, and infrastructure while aligning with Washington’s policy to diversify supply chains beyond traditional sources.

“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 upholds the highest standards of labor rights, environmental protection, and social inclusivity,” Roque stressed.

Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic priorities, she highlighted key legislative reforms designed to strengthen the business climate and safeguard national security, including amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act.

To maximize these policy advancements, the DTI is prioritizing international collaborations and targeted trade strategies to boost industrial growth, enhance exports, and attract long-term investments.

These strategies include leveraging FTAs for market expansion and engaging in bilateral frameworks such as Joint Economic Cooperation and the Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation.

The IPEF, a U.S.-led regional economic initiative, is anchored on four key pillars—Trade, Supply Chains, Clean Economy, and Fair Economy—to promote resilience, sustainability, and good governance.

The framework includes Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.