Philippines, Thailand partner to grow creative industries

BANGKOK, Thailand — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines and Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA) have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen collaboration in creative industries.

The signing took place on Sept. 18, 2025, in Bangkok and was led by DTI – Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista and CEA Executive Director Chakrit Pichyangkul.

Supported by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Bangkok, the agreement reflects the deepening of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Thailand, which have spanned 76 years.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) now serves as a formal framework to advance cooperation on creative industry development, innovation, and cross-border collaboration between creative enterprises in both countries.

The partnership targets shared initiatives such as business matching, industry ecosystem linkages, and joint content and artist collaborations across design, fashion, and digital content sectors.

It also supports mutual participation in flagship programs that promote startup connectivity and creative city development under the UNESCO Creative Cities framework.

“Through targeted policies, capacity building, and encouragement of cross-border partnerships, we remain deeply committed to nurturing a thriving ecosystem for trade, knowledge sharing, and collective progress,” Bautista said in a statement.

The MOU is valid for three years, with the possibility of extension or renewal following evaluation by both parties.

Work plans and project-specific agreements will drive implementation, and regular consultations will ensure the alignment of priorities and strategies.

The MOU signing was part of the DTI delegation’s broader engagement during the Food Ingredients Asia and Vitafoods Asia 2025 exhibitions held in Bangkok.

On Sept. 17, DTI officials attended the opening ceremony of the event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and expressed support for Filipino exhibitors.

They also visited the booth of the Association of Local Artisans, Food and Other Producers of the Philippines (ALAFOP) and held meetings with Thailand’s National Innovation Agency.

On Sept. 18, the Philippine delegation continued engagements with organizers of PackPrint and Corrutec Asia 2025, as well as the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association, to explore trade and investment opportunities.