ASEAN trade ministers reaffirmed their commitment to finalize this year the ASEAN Trade in Agreement or the ATIGA Upgrade and the negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said this after attending the virtual Special ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting on April 10, 2025.
Roque cited the ATIGA Upgrade and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement in the evolving global economic landscape. The two agreements are aimed at diversifying and deepening trade and investment ties with other countries.
The ASEAN trade ministers also acknowledged the 90-day suspension on the U.S. reciprocal tariffs as a positive development, albeit temporary, as they agreed to forge a unified regional response within that period.
“We recognized the necessity for a comprehensive impact assessment to fully understand the direct and indirect consequences of these tariffs on ASEAN member states. We recognized the need to formulate effective mitigation strategies, ensuring the protection of our member states’ interests, and maintaining our investors’ confidence,” said Roque.
There was also a strong consensus among ASEAN trade ministers on the importance of open and constructive dialogue with the United States.
The US-ASEAN relationship, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, transcends mere trade, encompassing significant foreign direct investment and forming a key pillar of ASEAN’s economic framework.
To strengthen this partnership with the US, ASEAN will enhance existing cooperation platforms such as the Trade and Investment Facilitation Agreement or TIFA and the Expanded Economic Engagement or E3 Workplan.
Additionally, ASEAN will explore new agreements to bolster supply chain resilience and expand market access, demonstrating our commitment to proactive engagement with the US.
“The Philippines remains dedicated to ASEAN and we are ready to collaborate with fellow member states to cultivate a stronger, more strategic global partnerships,” Roque concluded.
