PTPolicyTraderThe policy behind the trade.
Trade policy, commodities, and sustainability across the Indo-Pacific
Wto·Int·
WTO members convened on 23 September to assess the state of agriculture negotiations following the inconclusive outcome at the 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé. Members discussed possible paths forward for talks that stalled at MC14. The session reflects ongoing multilateral efforts to advance agricultural trade reform under WTO auspices.
Kemendag·Indonesia·
Indonesian Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri attended the 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Consultative Meeting with Canada in Pasay City, Philippines. Indonesia pushed for acceleration of the ASEAN-Canada FTA negotiations. The meeting represents a formal plurilateral trade dialogue with a named policy objective.
Asean·Int·
The 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers–Russia Consultation, held in Manila, endorsed the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation for 2026–2035, establishing a renewed framework for bilateral trade and investment relations. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn participated in the meeting.
Kemendag·Indonesia·
Indonesia’s Deputy Trade Minister chaired the 5th RCEP Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay City alongside New Zealand’s co-chair, focusing on regional and global economic developments within the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting. Indonesia emphasized increasing RCEP utilization among member states. The meeting reviewed implementation progress of the RCEP agreement.
Asean·Int·
The 23rd ASEAN Economic Ministers-India Consultation was held in Manila, with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn participating. The meeting reviewed progress on the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) review process. Ministers reaffirmed commitment to advancing the review.
Dg Trade·Eu·
The EU and the Philippines reached substantial agreement on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, marking a key milestone in negotiations. The deal is intended to deepen economic ties between the EU and the Philippines as a strategic Southeast Asian partner.
Moc Th·Th·
Thailand’s Deputy PM and Commerce Minister attended the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Manila on 19-20 September 2026, where ASEAN signed an investment agreement with Hong Kong. Thailand, as chair of the DEFA negotiating committee, helped conclude negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), while also advancing trade negotiations with 14 dialogue […]
Dg Trade·Eu·
The European Union and the Philippines have reached substantial agreement on a Free Trade Agreement, marking a major milestone in bilateral trade relations. The joint statement was issued by Philippine Secretary Roque and EU Commissioner Šefčovič.
Dtn Th·Th·
Thai Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan met with the US Trade Representative on the sidelines of the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in the Philippines to advance a reciprocal trade agreement (ART) with the US. The negotiation framework has already been concluded, and Thailand is now pushing to formalize the agreement to maintain tariff […]
Asean·Int·
The 22nd ASEAN Economic Ministers–EU Trade Commissioner Consultation was held on 22 September 2026 in Manila, co-chaired by Philippines DTI Secretary Roque and EU Trade Commissioner Juul Jørgensen. The meeting addressed ASEAN-EU trade and economic relations, likely covering FTA negotiations, market access, and regulatory issues. A joint media statement was issued outlining outcomes of the […]