MANILA – The Philippines’ top trade chief emphasized the importance of ensuring an enabling environment for recovery that prioritizes both sustainable and inclusive growth while doing business.
While attending the Special Retreat Session of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Ministers on the ASEAN Post-2025 held Sunday in Jakarta, Indonesia, Department of Trade (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual pushed for the prioritization of sustainable and inclusive growth amidst challenges posed by global economic uncertainties and escalating threats brought about by climate change.
Pascual also urged the region to prioritize and translate the endorsed elements in the ASEAN Vision 2045 into tangible investments in green technologies, renewable energy, and climate- resilient infrastructure to invigorate economic activities while ensuring the protection of the environment.
During the retreat, the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) also exchanged views on the region’s economic performance and outlook, and provided guidance on the future direction in the ongoing development of the ASEAN Post-2025 Vision and Blueprint.
Meanwhile, the Ministers officially launched the negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) that will provide a coherent, harmonized, collaborative, and rules-based approach ecosystem towards a competitive and inclusive digital economy in the region.
The outcome documents of the 23rd AEC Council are to be submitted ahead of the 43rd ASEAN Summit on 5-7 September 2023.
