Cebu, May 7 (AseanAll) — Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque said ASEAN Economic Community Council Ministers are working to further strengthen regional coordination and ensure that the region remains open and stable amid global economic uncertainties.
In her opening statement on May 7,2026 for the 27th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting in Cebu, Roque said ASEAN discussions are continuing following the recent Special AEC Council Meeting held virtually to discuss the rapidly evolving developments in the Middle East.
She noted that ASEAN works through “steady, deliberate steps,” where discussions and meetings gradually move the region closer toward decisions and concrete outcomes.
“What we do here matters. Because this meeting is not simply an exchange of views. It is where we align our positions, sharpen our priorities, and ensure that when issues are elevated, they are clear, focused, and ready for decision,” she said.
The Secretary also underscored the impact of current global developments, particularly rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions, which continue to affect ASEAN economies and their people.
“We are here not only to respond to these pressures, but to ensure that our region remains open, stable, and moving forward,” Roque said.
Tomorrow, ASEAN Leaders will issue a Statement on the region’s collective response to the Middle East Crisis. It outlines the collective actions Member States will implement to strengthen energy security, market stability, financial resilience and macroeconomic stability. It will also identify how ASEAN will further safeguard food security and agricultural supply chains, as well as strengthen regional humanitarian response to address the impacts of the crisis.
Aside from addressing current challenges, Roque said ASEAN will continue advancing the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables, including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), while beginning work to translate the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 into concrete actions.
“These are not separate tracks but are part of a single effort to ensure that ASEAN remains resilient, competitive, and relevant in a changing global environment,” she added.
