ASEAN Economic Community taking off: DTI chief

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez tells the media that DTI is encouraging malls nationwide to provide exhibit space for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday (Sept. 22, 2016). (Photo by Albert Alcain/PPD/PNA)
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MANILA — Significant progress has been made in getting the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) off the ground.

This was emphasized by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M.

Lopez during the preparatory meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers held at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City Sunday.

“This year, we’ve have made good progress in getting the ASEAN Economic Community (or AEC) for 2025 off the ground. We have managed to do this by concentraring our efforts on laying the foundation for the implementation of the AEC Blueprint 2025 through the Sectoral Action Plans (SAP) and the Consolidated Strategic Action Plan (CSAP),” he added.

Lopez is also pleased to note that they have worked hard in enhancing external partnerships and these include upgrading and existing free trade agreements (FTAs), intensifying efforts to complete on-going FTA negotiations, considering new FTA partnerships, and strengthening economic cooperation mechanisms.

“Nonetheless, there is much work to that needs to be done in order to ensure that we stay on course,” the DTI chief pointed out.

As this develops, Lopez said Sunday’s agenda covers very critical areas that are important in advancing ASEAN’s internal integration process and economic integration efforts with its partners.

“We have as our major agenda the preparation for the 15th AEC Council, wherein we will take stock of on what we have accomplished thus far in moving the AEC forward,” he disclosed.