President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) meets with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong (2nd from right) at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday (March 12, 2026). During the meeting, Marcos said he and the Singaporean leader discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, artificial intelligence and clean energy. (Photo from PBBM Facebook)
The Philippines and Singapore are looking to deepen economic ties, with a sharper focus on trade, investment, and future-driven industries such as artificial intelligence and clean energy.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said this after meeting Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday, describing the talks as a productive step toward closer collaboration between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Marcos said the meeting centered on expanding cooperation in sectors that could drive growth, generate opportunities, and position both countries to benefit from emerging industries.
“I had a productive meeting with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong on how the Philippines and Singapore can work more closely in trade, investment, and emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and clean energy,” Marcos said.
The President underscored that stronger cooperation with Singapore could help stimulate economic activity while opening more doors for Filipino workers and businesses. He added that building partnerships in high-growth sectors is crucial as the region pushes for deeper economic integration.
Marcos said closer ties between Manila and Singapore would also contribute to a stronger and more competitive ASEAN, as member-states work to future-proof their economies amid rapid global changes.
“As ASEAN works toward a more integrated and competitive region, closer cooperation between our countries helps strengthen our economy, create more opportunities for Filipinos, and keep the Philippines ready for the future,” he said.
With both countries exploring greater collaboration in innovation-led and sustainable industries, the meeting signals a shared intent to tap new engines of growth and reinforce regional economic resilience.