The Philippines is stepping up efforts to expand trade and investment with New Zealand and Thailand, using new bilateral mechanisms to widen market access, address trade barriers, and develop new commercial opportunities.
The Department of Trade and Industry said the inaugural Philippines-New Zealand Joint Economic Commission held in Wellington on Aug. 7 supports the two countries’ goal of increasing two-way trade by 50 percent by 2030.
Led by DTI Undersecretary for International Trade Allan Gepty, the Philippine delegation discussed opportunities spanning agriculture, renewable energy, climate action, education, inclusive trade, and strategic industries.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority also promoted economic zones as investment platforms for New Zealand companies, particularly in agro-industry, food processing, agri-technology, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
The Philippines then held the senior officials’ meeting of its inaugural Joint Trade Committee with Thailand, creating another platform to strengthen trade and investment flows.
“A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement by both sides to pursue a joint bilateral trade target,” DTI said.
The talks also focused on resolving market-access concerns and facilitating investment, with both sides identifying agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, financial cooperation, halal, the digital economy, sustainable micro, small and medium enterprises, start-ups, and creative industries as areas for deeper cooperation.
The discussions will feed into the first Philippines-Thailand JTC Ministerial Meeting scheduled for September in Manila.
The parallel initiatives reflect a more targeted approach to trade diplomacy, moving beyond broad cooperation toward measurable commercial objectives.
For the Philippines, the challenge will be converting agreements into actual market access, investment commitments, and higher exports. The focus on agriculture, renewable energy, digital industries, and other growth sectors could give local businesses more avenues to participate if trade barriers are effectively addressed.
With dedicated mechanisms now in place, Manila has more structured platforms to pursue bigger trade gains with two important Asia-Pacific partners.
