The Philippines is strengthening its ties across Southeast Asia and the Gulf region, pushing for expanded collaboration in trade, defense, and labor mobility through a series of high-level meetings at the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits this week.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., speaking before regional and Gulf leaders, called for greater synergy and innovation to sustain development gains and unlock untapped potential in areas such as digital trade, halal certification, and strategic partnerships.

At the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, Marcos noted the “remarkable progress” the subregional group had made since the adoption of its Vision 2025 framework eight years ago. He encouraged continued momentum as member states craft the next 10-year agenda, BIMP-EAGA Vision 2035.

“Our cooperation has deepened, and our partnership has delivered tangible benefits,” he said, pointing to advances in connectivity, food and energy security, and green development. The group aims to accelerate inclusive growth in less developed regions of member countries.

On the sidelines of the summit, Marcos met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to review bilateral developments, particularly the growing trade between the two countries driven by Philippine automobile exports. The leaders agreed to explore expanding cooperation into new areas, including defense and security.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, in turn, emphasized ASEAN’s need to seize economic opportunities amid global uncertainty. He also expressed appreciation for the warm reception he received during his official visit to Manila in February.

Meanwhile, Marcos highlighted the shared potential between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to develop wider economic corridors. Speaking at the ASEAN-GCC Summit, the President suggested leveraging the Philippines’ and ASEAN’s growing digital capacity alongside the Gulf’s expertise in energy and logistics.

He proposed a mutual halal certification regime to strengthen halal exports and reduce regulatory friction, as well as expanding digital trade and cross-border e-commerce through ongoing ASEAN digital economy frameworks.

The President also underscored the need to upskill ASEAN workers in Gulf countries, noting that around two million Filipinos are employed in the region, part of a broader ASEAN labor presence of 2.7 million.