The Philippines Seeks Deeper Asean, New Zealand, Australia Cooperation

MANILA, Sept 21 (Bernama-PNA) -- The Philippines is pushing for deeper cooperation between ASEAN, New Zealand and Australia, amid global trade shifts, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

The Philippines' Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said that while the global environment already evolved, ASEAN's economic partnership with New Zealand and Australia continued to strengthen.

"Over the decades, our economies have evolved. The global trading environment has changed, and new challenges and opportunities have emerged," Gepty said in his opening remarks at the ASEAN Economic Ministers-Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday.

"Yet, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand have continued to strengthen our economic partnership and adapt our cooperation to changing circumstances."

Two-way trade between ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand reached USD183.9 billion in 2025.