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Philippines Joins 3rd ASEAN+3 Economic Cooperation and Financial Stability Forum


18 December 2024, Seoul. The Philippines participated in the 3rd ASEAN+3 Economic Cooperation and Financial Stability Forum, with the theme “Sustainable Growth: Reinforcing Resilience, Revitalizing Productivity,” convened on December 16, 2024, at the Bank of Korea in Seoul. Jointly organized by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Bank of Korea. The forum gathered policymakers, academics, and experts to address the region’s economic challenges and explore pathways for sustainable development.

The Philippine delegation included Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Francisco G. Dakila, Jr., Department of Finance Undersecretary Joven Balbosa of the International Finance Group (DOF-IFG), and other finance officials. Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega was likewise present at the forum.

The forum featured keynote messages and presentations from ROK Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Sang-mok Choi, AMRO Director Kouqing Li, Nobel Laureate for Economics Simon Johnson, IMF Director Krishna Srinivasan, Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa and other distinguished experts.

BSP Deputy Government Dakila joined the Panel Session on “Macroeconomic Development and Prospects: Near-term Risks and Policy Directions” where panelists examined near-term risks to macro-financial stability and discussed policy directions to address these challenges.

The forum discussed the urgent need for enhanced economic and financial cooperation among ASEAN+3 countries in the face of evolving challenges and to secure sustainable growth. END

Other News


January 28, 2026
PHILIPPINES, PARAGUAY AFFIRM COMMITMENT TO DEEPEN BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION

Seoul, Republic of Korea – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez called on Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to the Philippines H.E. Miguel Angel Ubaldino Romero Alvarez on 28 January 2026 at the Paraguay Embassy in Seoul to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in regional and multilateral fora. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on enhancing political dialogue, economic engagement, and people-to-people ties. The discussion highlighted Paraguay’s role as current President of MERCOSUR and growing opportunities for collaboration with ASEAN, including prospects for trade cooperation, sustainability initiatives, and carbon market mechanisms. A shared commitment to a rules-based international order, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law was likewise underscored. 

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January 26, 2026
PH AMBASSADOR RECEIVES ROK IPU SECRETARY GENERAL CANDIDATE, MR. SANGSOO JUN

26 January 2026, Seoul–Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez received Mr. Sang-soo Jun, the Republic of Korea’s Candidate for Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul on 26 January 2026. During the meeting, Mr. Jun shared his vision for a more inclusive and future-ready IPU, underscoring the importance of parliamentary cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, gender equality, good governance, and responsible fiscal management. He likewise highlighted the role of digital innovation, including e-parliament and AI-enabled parliamentary systems, in strengthening democratic institutions, particularly in developing countries.

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January 29, 2026
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SEOUL JOINS 44TH INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY

23 January 2026, Seoul–Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez joined Korea Customs Service (KCS) Commissioner Myeong-ku Lee, senior officials, and members of the diplomatic corps in celebrating the 44th International Customs Day on 23 January 2026 at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam. The event underscored the vital role of customs in securing and facilitating global trade—a field of growing cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. In his address, Commissioner Lee highlighted that modern customs go beyond processing goods, serving as a critical function for trade facilitation, supply chain security, and public safety. He also noted KCS’s use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve efficiency, inspections, and risk response. These initiatives align with the Philippines’ customs reform efforts and ongoing collaboration with the KCS, including information exchange, capacity-building, and technical cooperation to strengthen enforcement, risk management, and trade facilitation. END

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