President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the Philippines’ support on the review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make more user-friendly, simple, and trade facilitative agreements for businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In his speech during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, President Marcos recognized the importance of AITIGA in easing trade restrictions, hoping that India would continue supporting the agreed provisions.
“On Trade, the Philippines remains supportive of the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make the Agreement more user-friendly, simpler, and trade facilitative for businesses, including for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). We hope that the review of the AITIGA will effectively lessen restrictions to trade and that India will continue to support its agreed provisions,” the President said.
President Marcos expressed optimism on future cooperation with India on digital realm through the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation. He also encouraged India to explore its promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in ASEAN through sharing of knowledge on establishing industry-academia partnerships to enhance enterprise-based training schemes.
Recognizing India’s continuous support for Traditional and Complementary Medicine and its sharing of expertise on Cancer Management and Research and Development, President Marcos invited India to share its best practices as the world’s pharmaceutical hub and expertise in providing affordable and quality medicines, including vaccine production and distribution.
“On health cooperation, we thank India’s continued support for Traditional and Complementary Medicine, as well as its sharing of expertise on Cancer Management and Research and Development,” President Marcos said.
“We also invite India to share its strengths as the world’s pharmaceutical hub and to share expertise in providing affordable and quality medicines, including vaccine production and distribution within the region, and support the initiative on ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance,” he added.
Before ending his speech, President Marcos expressed his confidence on India as partner in promoting tourism during the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism in 2025 and on the mutual benefits both countries will have on ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.
“As a vital part of our economic post-pandemic recovery, we also look forward to cooperation on tourism, and to 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.”
“Once again, the Philippines is honored to play a positive role in promoting ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. We are confident that our shared values, which are the basis of our 75 years of vibrant bilateral relations, will benefit ASEAN-India relations for the betterment of our region and our peoples,” the President said. | PND
