Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque signed two landmark deals expanding the Philippines’ market access, strengthening supply chain links, and improving trade facilitation in the region, including the giant Chinese market.

At the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit on Saturday, Roque initialed agreements for the Asean–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and the Second Protocol to Amend the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), both instrumental in expanding exports, create jobs, enhance product quality, boost sustainable trade, and strengthen regional resilience.

Under the ACFTA 3.0 Upgrade, Asean and China agreed to deepen cooperation in digital, green, and sustainable trade by improving customs procedures, harmonizing standards, and enhancing transparency in trade measures.

Consumers empowered

The upgrade, which builds on a 2002 framework that was implemented in 2010, introduces stronger consumer protection rules to promote fair competition and product safety in the Asean–China market.

“These milestones show how cooperation can directly benefit our people. By modernizing trade rules, promoting fair competition, and improving how goods move across borders even during emergencies, we can build an inclusive regional economy that supports growth, stability, and opportunity for all,” Roque added.