The Philippines underscored the importance of regional resilience as Southeast Asian economic leaders convened on Friday for the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat amid global uncertainties, notably the turmoil in the Middle East.
In her opening remarks, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque described resilience as ASEAN’s “primary shield” against recent economic disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis and global geopolitical tensions.
“For ASEAN, resilience is no longer an aspiration. It is our primary shield,” Roque said, emphasizing that the regional bloc must prepare for global uncertainties not only by maintaining open markets but by coordinating policies and acting with foresight.
Roque said developments in the Middle East and geopolitical conflicts have triggered volatility in energy markets, disrupted shipping routes, and shifted investor confidence.
In an earlier press briefing, DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty said the worsening conflict in the Middle East will be discussed at the Retreat, focusing on its effects on rising oil prices and disruptions to shipping and trade.
To cushion the impact of the Middle East crisis, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has introduced measures such as a shortened government workweek to save fuel and proposed suspending fuel excise taxes to help stabilize costs.
Roque acknowledged that every AEM Retreat “has its own character,” noting that some are marked by milestones while others by difficult but necessary truths. Under the Philippines’ Chairship, Roque said ASEAN “must embrace both.”
Roque underscored the significance of institutional reforms, including the transition of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force into a permanent ASEAN Geoeconomic Group.
Working alongside the High-Level Task Force on Economic Integration, the body aims to guide the region through global economic and geopolitical shifts rather than simply reacting to crises, Roque added.
“This body will ensure that we are not just reacting to global shifts, we are navigating them together,” she said.
Roque said ASEAN senior economic officials have laid the groundwork for the Retreat, with discussions expected to move beyond technical matters toward strategies and policies that benefit both the region and its people.
“Our goal is simple but straightforward: To strengthen regional resilience, support innovation, and deepen economic integration across the region to create opportunities that reach our businesses, our workers, and our communities,” Roque said.
As Chair of ASEAN this year, the Philippines is set to present its Priority Economic Deliverables, with the Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA) as one of its key priorities.
