Top Philippines Trade and Industry Official to Brief Asia House on Growth Outlook, ASEAN Vision

The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines, Cristina A. Roque, will brief the Asia House corporate network on the trade and economic outlook amid continued tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have flared in recent weeks, despite the resumption of formal dialogue between the two in January – the first such talks in more than a year.

Secretary Roque will discuss the trade outlook and how Manila is navigating the relationship with China against the backdrop of a volatile and unpredictable geopolitical picture.

The Philippines has unveiled its agenda for 2026 as Chair of ASEAN, with a focus on expanding regional trade, increasing digitalisation and driving sustainable growth, to be led by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Secretary Roque will also discuss the economic outlook for the Philippines. Asia House has forecast a growth rate of 5.8 per cent for 2026 despite a turbulent domestic situation, with deep political rifts, corruption scandals and social unrest. The Philippines is at the halfway point of its five-year Development Plan but progress has been incremental. Secretary Roque is expected to address plans for structural reforms, the investment climate, and initiatives to expand Philippine participation in regional value chains and trade agreements.

The briefing will be chaired by Michael Lawrence OBE, Asia House Chief Executive.

For more information, contact Nadim Khan, Head of Programmes and Member Engagement, at nadim.khan@asiahouse.org.

Contact the host of Asia House Briefing with H.E. Cristina A. Roque, The Philippines' Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

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