(Photo courtesy of PNA)
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) has called for stronger international trade and economic cooperation to help countries navigate growing global uncertainty.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan made the appeal during the 2026 Autumn Economic Forum (AEF), emphasizing the need to strengthen economic resilience through sustained trade, investment and regional partnerships.
“We cannot assume that the conditions underpinning past growth will return. But the answer is not to retreat from integration. It is to reduce over-dependence and build our capacity to adapt,” Balisacan said.
He identified artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, digital services and the transition to a greener economy as major growth drivers that require investments in infrastructure, innovation, workforce skills and connectivity.
“The value of an investment depends partly on what the country’s ecosystem enables it to do,” Balisacan added.
The DEPDev chief also underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing economic challenges and achieving development goals that countries may struggle to accomplish individually.
As ASEAN chair in 2026, the Philippines is prioritizing energy security and regional connectivity through initiatives such as the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security and the ASEAN Power Grid.
“We are advancing energy security and connectivity through the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security and the ASEAN Power Grid,” Balisacan said.
The Philippines is also working toward the formalization of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in November.
The proposed agreement aims to facilitate cross-border digital trade and expand economic opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Southeast Asia.
DEPDev said stronger regional integration and cooperation would help economies adapt to global disruptions while supporting sustainable and inclusive growth.
