The Philippines Seeks Deeper Asean, New Zealand, Australia Cooperation
MANILA, Sept 21 (Bernama-PNA) -- The Philippines is pushing for deeper cooperation between ASEAN, New Zealand and Australia, amid global trade shifts, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
The Philippines’ Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said that while the global environment already evolved, ASEAN’s economic partnership with New Zealand and Australia continued to strengthen.
“Over the decades, our economies have evolved. The global trading environment has changed, and new challenges and opportunities have emerged,” Gepty said in his opening remarks at the ASEAN Economic Ministers-Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday.
“Yet, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand have continued to strengthen our economic partnership and adapt our cooperation to changing circumstances.”
Two-way trade between ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand reached USD183.9 billion in 2025.
Gepty said this reflects stronger investment in the supply chain and opportunities for entrepreneurs, workers and communities across economies.
However, the global economic environment continues to evolve rapidly.
“Trade and investment patterns are shifting. Technology is reaching new markets. Our businesses are growing. Supply chains are being tested. At the same time, businesses, particularly MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), are being asked to adapt more quickly and compete in a new digital and interdisciplinary environment,” he added.
Gepty cited the need to make sure that cooperation remains responsive to current challenges.
He added the CER provides an opportunity to strengthen the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, a comprehensive trade and investment agreement that reduces tariffs and enhances certainty for businesses by providing stable and predictable conditions for investors.
“We should also advance our cooperation in areas where ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand can make a practical difference, facilitating digital trade and a digital economy, helping MSMEs participate more actively in regional and global value chains, strengthening supply chain resilience, and supporting sustainable and inclusive growth,” Gepty said.
“At the same time, as the global trading environment becomes more complex, our partnership can provide a platform for closer dialogue and coordination on emerging economic issues.”
-- BERNAMA-PNA
