Manila hosts 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat

Economic ministers from the ASEAN member nations gathered in Manila, Philippines for the 32nd Economic Ministers’ Retreat. As the Philippines as the chair nation, Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque called on the member nations to work together to further deepen economic ties and strengthen resilience to shield the region from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

She also said that geopolitical tensions are no longer distant headlines but are now seen as immediate economic shocks. In this year’s event, several high-level discussions including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement will also be held to discuss measures to boost the region’s economic resilience.