DTI UNDERSECRETARY CEFERINO RODOLFO REAFFIRMS PHILIPPINES’ COMMITMENT TO ASEAN CENTRALITY IN SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST CHINA CONFERENCE

Kuala Lumpur, 18 February 2025 – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and Managing Head and Vice Chairperson of the Board of Investments Ceferino S. Rodolfo reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to ASEAN centrality in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) China Conference: Southeast Asia held at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur on February 17, 2025.

Speaking as panelist at a high level session on “Reimagining Trade and Global Supply Chains for a Resilient Future,” Undersecretary Rodolfo also highlighted that strengthening trade relations through bilateral agreements contribute to the region's economic resilience. The session, which also had YB Senator Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, and YBhg. Dato’ Seri Shaik Abdul Rasheed bin Abdul Ghaffour, Bank Negara Governor as co-panelists, provided a platform for insightful discussions on how countries navigate the global trade dynamics, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and ensuring economic resilience.

Chargé d’Affaires Roussel R. Reyes, Commercial Counsellor Norjamin B. delos Reyes and Vice-Consul Kara Frayco represented the Philippine Embassy at the Conference.

Held annually, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) China Conference: Southeast Asia gathers global thought leaders, government officials, and industry experts to discuss critical issues on trade, investment, and global supply chains. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered the opening keynote address, which explored the dynamic shifts in the global economy post-pandemic, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and the rise of technologies like AI. END

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