Philippines pushes open, digital APEC trade agenda

SUZHOU, China — The Philippines called on Asia-Pacific economies to keep markets open, remove unnecessary trade barriers, and strengthen supply chain resilience as global disruptions continue to strain shipping routes, raise business costs, and affect logistics workers.

Speaking at the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said regional economic integration must remain practical, predictable, and responsive to the needs of businesses, workers, and consumers.

“APEC’s comparative advantage is our ability to build trust through practical convergence—not by forcing uniformity, but by reducing friction where it matters most for businesses, workers, and consumers,” Roque said.

The Philippines pushed for deeper integration through interoperable rules, transparent procedures, and capacity-building measures that allow all member economies to take part in high-quality regional initiatives.

Roque said secure and resilient supply chains must be part of regional economic integration, especially as disruptions in shipping and trade routes continue to raise costs across the region.

She also urged APEC economies to keep markets open and avoid unnecessary non-tariff measures.

Beyond infrastructure, Roque said trust in the regional trading system requires attention to the human impact of disruptions, particularly on the cross-border logistics workforce.

“Trust also includes addressing the crisis’ human impact on the people, especially those involved in physically moving trade. Filipino seafarers represent a considerable workforce who are deeply embedded in global supply chains,” Roque said.

The Philippines also reaffirmed support for a strong multilateral trading system anchored on the World Trade Organization, which Roque described as a source of stability amid global shocks and economic fragmentation.

The Philippine delegation urged APEC economies to move from the outcomes of MC14 to implementation by delivering on ministerial decisions, advancing WTO reform, and sustaining momentum on e-commerce, fisheries subsidies, and agricultural trade reform.

The Philippines also called for stronger cooperation on digital trade, artificial intelligence, and green investments as new drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Roque said the country is building the foundation for an open and trusted digital economy through the Internet Transactions Act, supporting tech entrepreneurs through the AI & Startup Center, and bringing practical AI tools closer to micro, small, and medium enterprises through literacy training in Negosyo Centers.

As ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines is carrying its digital and green priorities into regional work, including efforts to complete the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and promote transparent, ESG-compliant, and resilient supply chains in the critical minerals sector.