DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY UNDERSECRETARY ALLAN B. GEPTY LEADS PHILIPPINE DELEGATION TO THE 31ST ASEAN ECONOMIC MINISTERS’ (AEM) RETREAT AND RELATED MEETINGS

Desaru Coast, Johor, 03 March 2025 – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Atty. Allan B. Gepty led the Philippine delegation during the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Retreat and Related Meetings that were held from 22 to 28 February 2025 at Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia. Banking on the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairship, the AEM Retreat discussed the deliverables under the ASEAN Economic Pillar which includes the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the joint declaration on economic cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the ASEAN Sustainable Investment Guidelines (ASIG).

Philippine Trade and Investment Center - Kuala Lumpur (PTIC-KL) Commercial Counsellor Norjamin Delos Reyes and Embassy Attachés Clarissa Villamor and Raeson Santarin joined the DTI delegation during the Welcome Dinner on 27 February 2025. In his opening speech, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, highlighted that MY's ASEAN Chairship will focus on promoting ASEAN as a dynamic economic partner in the global stage that is able to navigate existing global issues and achieve sustainable growth.

On the sidelines of the AEM Retreat, Undersecretary Gepty and Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI)  Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong discussed strengthening cooperation between ASEAN’s current and incoming Chairs. With the Philippines set to assume the Chairship in 2026, both nations are working to align their economic priorities. Their commitment aims to boost trade, create more business opportunities, and foster a stronger, more inclusive ASEAN Economic Community.END

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