Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Philippines views a more coordinated and\nintegrated Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) not merely as\nan aspiration, but as a necessity amid escalating geopolitical\nuncertainties.<\/p>\n
At a press conference in the International Media Center in Cebu for\nthe 48th ASEAN Summit on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of the Department of\nTrade and Industry (DTI), Allan Gepty, stated that uncertainties\nstemming from crises in the Middle East are once again testing economic\nresilience worldwide, including for ASEAN\u2019s 11 member countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current crisis underscores the need to deepen cooperation.\nNational responses alone are insufficient,\u201d said Gepty, as quoted from\nthe official ASEAN 2026 website.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must strengthen regional coordination, particularly in energy\nresilience, food resilience, logistics, and supply chain resilience\u2026 A\nmore integrated ASEAN is not just an aspiration; it is a necessity,\u201d he\nstressed.<\/p>\n
Gepty added that ASEAN\u2019s strength lies in its unity and cooperation,\ndescribing the regional bloc as a coordinated, responsive, and\nforward-looking economic community.<\/p>\n
He stated that ASEAN integration over the decades has delivered real\nbenefits to its member countries, including the Philippines.<\/p>\n
Regional trade enables producers, businesses, and farmers to access\nbroader markets, while micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can\nparticipate in regional value chains, he continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not just an abstract idea. These are real, everyday benefits\nstemming from our regional cooperation,\u201d said Gepty.<\/p>\n
Gepty remarked that the importance of ASEAN becomes even clearer\nduring crises. According to him, when energy prices rise, supply chains\ntighten, and inflationary pressures increase, ASEAN provides a platform\nfor stability.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough regional cooperation, we help keep trade flows running,\navoid unnecessary restrictions, and maintain investor confidence,\u201d he\nstated.<\/p>\n
Gepty also emphasised Cebu\u2019s strategic role as host of the 48th\nSummit, positioning it as a logistics and economic hub at the crossroads\nof trade, tourism, and maritime connectivity in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy strengthening its role as a gateway for trade and services, Cebu\ncan help ensure supply chains remain efficient and economic activities\ncontinue despite external disruptions. Thus, this bolsters the\nPhilippines\u2019 role as a reliable and proactive partner in ASEAN,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Gepty stated that the Philippines\u2019 ASEAN chairmanship\npresents a key opportunity to help shape the region\u2019s economic\nfuture.<\/p>\n
He mentioned the country\u2019s Economic Outcomes Priorities, including\nthe implementation of the memorandum of understanding on the ASEAN Power\nGrid, promotion of regenerative and resilient agricultural systems,\nencouragement of foreign investment in high-growth green sectors,\ndevelopment of digital trade rules, and expansion of trade\npartnerships.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/philippines-urges-stronger-asean-to-face-global-uncertainties-1778162120", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }