(first published here: state.gov)

The following statement was jointly released by the United States and The Philippines on the occasion of the successful conclusion of the 11^th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C.:

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Senior Philippine and U.S. officials gathered in Washington for the 11th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) on April 22 and 23. First held in 2011, the BSD serves as the main annual platform for our two countries to: discuss the full range of political, security, and economic cooperation; exchange views on current challenges and strategic priorities; and identify new collaborative initiatives.

Both sides recalled milestones of the intervening year, reflecting shared dedication to further fostering the bilateral partnership and alliance. These include: two meetings between Presidents Biden and Marcos; the joint State and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (“2+2 Ministerial”); a U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines; a trilateral ministerial; and leader-level trilateral summit with Japan, as well as inaugural bilateral dialogues on food security and energy policy.

In keeping with Presidents Marcos and Biden’s “shared vision of partnership, peace, and prosperity,” the two sides re-dedicated themselves to cooperation by:

Expanding the Breadth of Partnership. The two sides renewed pledges to work together to address pressing global and regional challenges in support of a free, safe, and open Indo-Pacific. Underscoring the importance of continued dialogue to ensure cooperation on issues of mutual interest, both sides committed in 2024 to:

• Hold the fourth “2+2” ministerial dialogue;
• Convene the inaugural joint committee meeting under the U.S.-Philippines Science and Technology Agreement;
• Establish a Roles, Missions, and Capabilities (RMC) Working Group to replace the Defense and Security Working Group;
• Establish inaugural bilateral dialogues on cyber-digital, space, and democracy; and
• Deepen collaboration on countering foreign information manipulation.

Modernizing Alliance Cooperation. The Philippines and the United States reiterated the importance of the security alliance and shared commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty in an increasingly complex security environment. They committed to establishing a new framework for alliance communication and coordination, enhancing operational cooperation and interoperability in the maritime domain, including with likeminded partners, and accelerating capability development. Building upon the historic progress in the defense relationship, including the unprecedented scope and scale of this year’s Exercise BALIKATAN, a combined exercise with Japan and Australia in the South China Sea, and monthly bilateral maritime cooperative activities, the two sides committed to further defense and security cooperation by continuing discussions with a view to:

• Concluding the bilateral Philippines – Security Sector Assistance Roadmap (P-SSAR);
• Fully finalizing the addition of sites and implementing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), to include DoD investing $128 million for infrastructure as part of the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget;
• Prepositioning USAID disaster relief commodities for Philippine civilian disaster response authorities at key EDCA sites;
• Concluding a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) by the end of 2024; and
• Expanding multilateral cooperation with likeminded countries, including through maritime cooperative activities, bilateral and multilateral exercises, and security cooperation coordination.

Promoting An International Law-Based Maritime Order. In reiterating their shared commitment to a maritime order based on international law, the two sides called upon the PRC to comport its maritime claims in the South China Sea with the international law of the sea as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the “Convention”), to respect the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction, to comply with the final and binding July 12, 2016 judgment in the Philippines v. China arbitration, and to cease its aggressive and dangerous actions that are inconsistent with its obligations under the Convention, including its unlawful interference with the Philippines’ freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The two sides recognized the importance of maintaining peace and security in the maritime domain, including transit routes for foreign merchant and commercial vessels, and called for the safe and immediate return of the Filipino seafarers affected by the crisis in the Red Sea.

The U.S. and Philippine governments decided to:

• Convene the 3rd Maritime Dialogue in September/October 2024 in Manila and build upon the outcomes of the countries’ prior dialogues and meetings;
• Explore additional opportunities to strengthen global support for upholding the international law of the sea;
• Deepen cooperation to strengthen efforts in addressing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, in line with relevant international law and voluntary guidelines; andConsider and develop, as appropriate, procedures and protocols on cooperative maritime law enforcement operations, in accordance with international law and our respective national laws

Advancing Our Common Prosperity, Protecting Our Shared Planet. Both sides stressed that our partnership should continue to benefit our peoples and future generations alike. They welcomed work to advance best practices in strategic trade management and the clean and renewable energy transition, noting the ongoing engagement on civil nuclear cooperation and the signing of a civil nuclear cooperation agreement.  They recognized the significant outcomes made under the U.S. 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) host year and progress under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), especially through the entry into force of the Supply Chains Agreement and conclusion of the Clean Economy and Fair Economy Agreements.  The Philippines welcomed the development of a Millennium Challenge Corporation threshold program and the United States’ commitment to considering the Philippines for the Compact Program based on updated data later this year. The two sides committed to advancing the Luzon Economic Corridor under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI)-IPEF Investment Accelerator, to support connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas and investments in rail, port modernization, clean energy and semiconductor supply chains, and agribusiness. Both sides also discussed opportunities for further cooperation on critical minerals processing, digital upskilling, and semiconductor supply chains under the CHIPS Act and in cooperation with USAID. Both sides exchanged views on addressing economic vulnerabilities and approaches to strengthening private sector partnerships, recognizing the imperative of increasing economic growth in both countries. They also shared priorities for the May 21 Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila, which will be sponsored by the U.S. Government in partnership with the Government of the Philippines.

Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation. Both sides discussed their respective and shared multilateral priorities, identifying opportunities for closer cooperation at the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the free, safe, and open international order based on rule of law and respecting the UN Charter as the foundation of cooperation among nations. Both sides:

• Underscored the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals;
• Strongly opposed any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state;
• Reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait; and
• Committed to advance a free, safe, and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, prosperous, secure, and based on international law, and that protects shared principles including territorial integrity; sovereignty; sovereign rights and jurisdiction; and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

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Manila, November 15, 2023—Since 2020, 350 Filipino women from all over the Philippines have received training and mentorship from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a U.S.-supported business learning program organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and implementing partner SPARK! Philippines.

“All of us know how much women business owners—both in the informal and formal sectors—contribute to and drive economic prosperity in the Philippines,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in her remarks at the first-ever AWE Philippines Summit on November 9 to mark the business training program’s third anniversary. “With AWE, we have prioritized reaching women entrepreneurs who face the highest hurdles when it comes to accessing the essential tools of entrepreneurship: finance, support networks, mentors.”

The inaugural summit in Manila gathered more than 80 AWE alumni from Bacolod, Bohol, Cebu, Manila, Marawi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon City, and Zamboanga del Sur to participate in panel sessions, networking activities, and workshops by American business experts.  Another 40 AWE graduates gathered in Bacolod City on November 11 for a one-day networking and workshop session with summit organizers.

Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona also attended the summit in Manila.

“Even before the pandemic, we, at the Department of Trade and Industry, follow closely the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act 9710 passed in 2009, which provides specific interventions of DTI to promote women’s economic empowerment.  With these and other initiatives, I am confident that our women entrepreneurs can rebuild better and contribute greatly to the country’s economic recovery,” DTI Undersecretary Lantayona said.

“Whether they are aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative concepts or micro and small business owners seeking fresh perspectives, this summit serves as a gateway to innovation, business growth, and unparalleled networking opportunities.  It is a dynamic learning experience where our women entrepreneurs unite to embark on a path to entrepreneurial excellence,” SPARK! Philippines Executive Director Maica Teves said.

AWE is a hybrid learning program that offers courses on market research, laws and regulations, business plan creation, cash flow projection, and digital marketing for Filipino women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including survivors of violence, illegal trafficking, and natural disasters, as well as innovators in sustainable development, technology, and agriculture.  Graduates also benefit from a network of more than 25,000 women entrepreneurs across 100 countries.

In March, Filipino entrepreneur Senith Araez received the AWE Outstanding Achievement Award for her exemplary leadership and contributions to women’s empowerment in her community at the first regional AWE Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Araez founded Whistler Travel and Tours in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, which mostly employs single mothers or women who are family breadwinners.  She is representing the Philippines at the 2023 AWE Indo-Pacific Women in Tech Summit at Taipei, Taiwan, on November 14-16.

For women entrepreneurs interested in joining AWE, follow American Spaces Philippines on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amspacesph/ and Instagram @amspacesph for updates and additional information on the admission process.

Manila, October 6, 2023—From September 28 to October 4, the United States government, through the U.S. Commercial Service, sent its first Agricultural Technology Trade Mission to Davao City and Manila to explore trade and investment opportunities that will help support the resiliency of the Philippine agricultural supply chain.

Nine American companies and one U.S. state university were part of the trade mission that brought a mix of the latest innovations in agriculture technology (precision agriculture, digital farming, genetics), postharvest infrastructure, irrigation, farm mechanization, agricultural chemicals, IT-enabled services for agriculture, and animal feeds, among others.

U.S. trade mission participants included Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Aviagen Inc., Cargill, John Deere, PepsiCo, Sukup Manufacturing, Valmont Industries, Veea Inc., Viasat, and Northwest Missouri State University.

“Agriculture cooperation is central to the story of the U.S.-Philippine relationship as Partners in Prosperity,” said U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.  “This Agricultural Technology Trade Mission injects innovation into this relationship, vastly expanding opportunities for Filipino farmers by connecting them to U.S. technology solutions.”

“Many of these companies already contribute to Philippine food security and play a critical role in our growing agriculture partnership,” the Ambassador added.

Organized in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), the trade mission’s engagements with various regional and local business councils, Philippine companies, and government agencies strengthened the shared commitments of the Philippines and the United States toward promoting food security.  During their visit, the trade mission met with the National Food Authority, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Information and Communications Technology.

While in Davao from September 28 to 30, the trade mission met with government leaders from Davao City led by Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr., representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), local industry players, and business associations.  During these meetings, trade mission members discussed the importance of collaboration in achieving food security and strengthening the Philippine agriculture industry, especially in BARMM.

During their visit to Manila from October 2 to 4, the trade mission met with Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban to discuss collaborations in improving high-value crops, such as rice and corn, in the Philippines.

“This trade mission focused on agriculture technology in the broadest sense, including improving access to needed resources through increased connectivity for Philippines farmers,” U.S. Embassy Senior Commercial Officer Paul Taylor said.  “Agriculture is the foundation of our global economy.  We believe the companies represented on this mission can help the Philippines fully take advantage of the next generation of advanced farming practices,” he added.

“We are here to learn about new investment opportunities, explore how we can confront challenges together, and put forth a sound partnership between these companies and between the U.S. and Philippine governments,” said BCIU Senior Program Officer for Agriculture Joseph Walters.  “We want to make sure that what we are doing is mutually beneficial for everyone involved.”

In 2022, U.S.-Philippine bilateral trade in agricultural products exceeded $4 billion.  The Philippines is a Top 10 market for U.S. agricultural exports.  At the same time, the United States is increasing its purchase of Philippine agricultural commodities, helping create jobs in rural communities.

Manila, March 9, 2023—On International Women’s Day March 8, Filipino entrepreneur Senith Araez received the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Outstanding Achievement Award from the United States government for her exemplary leadership in business and contributions to the empowerment of women in her community.

The award was presented during the first regional AWE Summit organized by the U.S. government from March 6 to 9 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  More than 200 businesswomen and AWE graduates from Brunei, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the event.

Araez founded Whistler Travel and Tours in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan in 2019.  Through the business mentorship and training provided by AWE, she was able to expand her business and cater to clients based in the United States.  In Araez’s company, 75 percent of employees are single mothers or women who are family breadwinners.

“I am humbled to receive this Outstanding Achievement Award.  AWE made it possible for me to develop a sound business plan that resulted in engagements with local, national, and now, international corporate accounts,” Araez said.

Launched by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2019, AWE is a hybrid program that combines the use of DreamBuilder—an online business training curriculum developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management—with in-class mentoring and facilitation.  Globally, the program has trained more than 25,000 women entrepreneurs in 100 countries.

In the Philippines, AWE has trained more than 180 women beneficiaries since its launch in October 2020.  Araez is actively involved in establishing a new AWE cohort in Puerto Princesa City that is expected to provide professional training for 30 women working in the local fishing industry.

“When we opened AWE Philippines in 2020, our vision was to provide Filipinas with the confidence and technical skills needed to start sustainable businesses.  Now three years later, we are excited to see these entrepreneurs expand their business ideas and their networks of entrepreneur partners,” said U.S. Embassy Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer Pauline Anderson.

AWE Philippines is implemented by non-profit organization Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK!) and the U.S. Embassy’s American Spaces network in Bacolod City, Cebu City, Manila, Marawi City, and Puerto Princesa City.  In December 2022, two new AWE cohorts led by SPARK! were established in Bohol and Zambaonga del Sur.

Above photo: Nokia Bell Labs Managing Partner Stefan Wilhelm (seated left) and NOW Telecom Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mel Velasco Velarde (seated right) sign the Php 118 million USTDA grant in the presence of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and DICT Undersecretary Angelo Nuestro.

Below photo: U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink (fifth from left) joins U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (fourth from left), Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez (second from right), and representatives from DICT, NOW Telecom, and Nokia Bell Labs Consulting at the signing of the USTDA grant for 5G deployment in the Philippines on January 20.

Manila, January 23, 2023— The United States government, through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), is providing NOW Telecom Company, Inc. a Php 118 million ($2.15 million) grant to fund a feasibility study for the development of reliable and secure nationwide 5G mobile and broadband networks in the Philippines.

NOW Telecom has selected New Jersey-based Bell Labs Consulting, part of Bell Labs, the research arm of Nokia, to conduct the study.

The grant agreement was signed by NOW Telecom Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mel Velasco Velarde and Nokia Bell Labs Managing Partner Stefan Wilhelm during the 10th U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila on January 20.  United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, and Philippines Department of Information and Communications (DICT) Undersecretary for Connectivity Angelo Nuestro witnessed the signing.

“This 5G grant demonstrates the U.S. commitment to developing quality digital infrastructure and increasing access to affordable connectivity in the Philippines,” Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink said.

For his part, DICT Undersecretary Nuestro said, “The open innovation platform that this partnership seeks to give will enable the broader Philippine society to take a leap towards a connected future.  We welcome these opportunities that will improve the lives of Filipinos.”

Under the USTDA grant, the feasibility study will provide NOW Telecom with the necessary analysis, designs, and plans for the phased implementation of the project.  It will also include the establishment of a 5G pilot network at multiple sites in Metro Manila to validate network performance, test 5G use cases, and provide data to inform larger scale deployment.

This project aims to support the digital transformation of the Philippines by helping to meet the growing demand for high-bandwidth, reliable, and secure digital services from households and industry in the Philippines. 

The feasibility study grant furthers U.S. digital policy in line with the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which aims to promote secure digital infrastructure in the region to bolster economic growth and facilitate open digital societies.

Joint Statement

20 January 2023 — Senior Philippine and U.S. foreign affairs and defense officials convened in Manila on 19-20 January 2023 for the 10th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD). First held in 2011, the BSD serves as the main annual platform for our two countries to discuss the full range of political, security, and economic cooperation, exchange views on current challenges and strategic priorities, and identify new collaborative initiatives at the working group and senior officials’ levels.

Recalling the Joint Vision for a 21st Century United States-Philippines Partnership that was adopted at the 9th BSD in Washington DC in November 2021, both sides welcomed developments over the past year that reaffirmed their commitment to the Alliance and partnership. High-level engagements, including between the Presidents and Cabinet Secretaries of both sides, have increased under the assumption of the administration of Philippine President Marcos, giving important momentum to bilateral ties and demonstrating the resounding interest of both sides to work together to realize peace and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.

During the 10th BSD, the Philippines and the United States determined to pursue cooperation in the following areas:

Cultivating A Stronger Partnership. The Philippines and the United States underscored the importance of regular and sustained dialogue at both the policy and operational levels to ensure cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern. To this end, both sides:

• Renewed their commitment to bringing together their Defense and Foreign Ministers this year in the Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Dialogue format. This year’s Dialogue will be the third such meeting following the earlier meetings in 2012 and 2016.

U.S. Department of the Commerce
September 9, 2022

Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai hosted counterparts from the 13 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) partner countries – representing over 40% of the global economy – at the first official in-person Ministerial meeting. The ministers had positive and constructive discussions, and announced a substantial milestone in their pursuit of a high-standard and inclusive economic framework.

“Our first in-person meeting has been an undeniable success,” said Secretary Raimondo. “This week, 14 countries came together to chart a path forward that will create economic opportunity, improve labor conditions, and promote sustainability for all of our economies. Just as importantly, this ministerial gave us an opportunity to show that we can deliver concrete and tangible economic benefits for partner countries while pursuing an inclusive and high standard framework at the same time. I am proud of the progress we’ve made and I’m excited to continue building momentum in this effort.”

“This meeting was a chance to deepen our partnerships and fill in the details about how we will work collectively to address the challenges and opportunities that will define the 21st century,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “After several days of intensive discussions, we have made real progress toward that goal and I am excited to continue developing this Framework, which will unlock enormous economic value for our region and serve as a model for the rest of the world to follow.”

Since its launch in May launch, IPEF countries have engaged in intensive discussions to scope out each pillar of the Framework. At the conclusion of the Senior Officials and Ministerial meetings, the partners reached consensus on ministerial statements for each of the four IPEF pillars: Trade; Supply Chains; Clean Economy; and Fair Economy.

The Framework will advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness for our economies. Through IPEF, the partners aim to contribute to cooperation, stability, prosperity, development, and peace within the region. The Framework will also offer tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefit workers and consumers across the region. The 14 IPEF partners represent 40 percent of global GDP and 28 percent of global goods and services trade.

The IPEF ministerial statements are available via the links provided below:

• Pillar I (Trade)

In the Trade Pillar, the IPEF partners will seek high-standard provisions in areas that are foundational to resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, including labor, environment, digital economy, agriculture, transparency and good regulatory practices, competition, inclusivity, trade facilitation, and technical assistance and economic development. The United States and the IPEF partners will seek high-standard provisions that benefit workers and ensure free and fair trade that contributes to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth and that meaningfully contribute to environmental protection. We intend to advance inclusive digital trade by building an environment of trust and confidence in the digital economy, by addressing discriminatory practices, and by promoting trusted and secure cross-border data flows. We will seek to advance food security and sustainable agricultural practices and the benefits of good regulatory practices in supporting good governance and will work towards harnessing best practices with respect to facilitating trade.

• Pillar II (Supply Chains)

In the Supply Chains Pillar, the countries will seek to coordinate actions to mitigate and prevent future supply chain disruptions and secure critical sectors and key products for our manufacturers. The United States will work with IPEF partners to identify sectors and products critical to our national security, economic resilience, and the health and safety of our citizens – and then act collectively to increase the resilience of these sectors, creating jobs and economic opportunities in key industries of the future. Partners will identify sole sources and choke points in critical supply chains, and work collaboratively to address them by promoting and supporting investments in new physical and digital infrastructure. Partners will use data to improve supply chain logistics and invest in new training and development opportunities to upskill workers and ensure that all citizens share in the benefits of increased supply chain resilience. Finally, the countries will seek to ensure that the work promotes the labor standards that underpin fair, sustainable, and resilient supply chains.

• Pillar III (Clean Economy)

In the Clean Economy Pillar, the countries will seek to expand investment opportunities, spur innovation, and improve the livelihoods of citizens as the partners unlock the region’s abundant clean energy resources and substantial carbon sequestration potential. The partners aim to advance cooperation on clean energy and climate-friendly technologies, as well as mobilize investment and promote usage of low- and zero-emissions good and services. This work will be part of a future-oriented effort to enhance energy security and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. The partners seek to promote just transitions with the active participation of our stakeholders, including the private sector, workers, and local communities.

• Pillar IV (Fair Economy)

In the Fair Economy Pillar, the countries will seek to level the playing field for businesses and workers within partner countries by preventing and combatting corruption, curbing tax evasion, and enhancing transparency, recognizing the importance of fairness, inclusiveness, the rule of law, accountability and transparency. By innovating and strengthening shared approaches to implementing anticorruption and tax measures, the countries will seek to improve the investment climate and boost flows of commerce, trade, and investments among our economies while advancing a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

In May 2022, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Viet Nam began the process to establish the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. Ambassador Tai and Secretary Raimondo held the first virtual Ministerial in May shortly after the official launch. They also held a virtual Ministerial in July, which reaffirmed their collective goal to pursue ongoing and intensified engagements with IPEF partner countries.

The full text of the May 2022 IPEF launch statement is available here

BUREAUS AND OFFICES
International Trade Administration

LEADERSHIP
Gina M. Raimondo

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Remarks by Ambassador Katherine Tai at the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Ministerial Closing Press Conference

As prepared for delivery:

Good morning everyone.

Thank you, Secretary Raimondo. You are a fantastic partner. I want to thank your staff for their close collaboration. I also want thank my team at USTR for their tireless work to help make this Ministerial possible.

But most importantly, I have to thank our 13 IPEF partners for traveling to Los Angeles to attend our first in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Ministerial. It was energizing to be in the same room with all of our partners, and that energy will carry us through our discussions across the Framework’s ambitious components in the days ahead.

I have said it before, and it’s worth repeating – for decades, trade was often reduced to a zero-sum game that left many behind. But President Biden believes in putting workers at the center of our economic agenda, and that trade should be a platform that delivers real opportunities for real people.

The IPEF embodies how we intend to move forward to bring equitable growth to our region.

We launched this Framework in May to develop a modern economic arrangement – an arrangement that delivers broad-based economic connectivity and benefits our workers, combats climate change, builds resilient supply chains and levels the playing field for our companies.

And as I said yesterday, this meeting was a chance to deepen our partnerships and fill in the details about how we will work collectively to address the challenges and opportunities that will define the 21st century.

I’m happy to say that after several days of intensive discussions, we have made real progress toward that goal. And the ministerial statements demonstrate our innovation and ambition.

Our intention now is to move towards negotiations with our partners on each pillar, with the first round of discussions taking place after this ministerial.

Specifically, we intend to develop initiatives that promote sustainable and inclusive growth by adopting and maintaining, and enforcing laws based on internationally-recognized labor rights.

We will identify ways to protect the environment, respond to our common sustainability challenges, including climate change, and facilitate trade and investment in relevant clean technologies.

On the digital economy, we want to build confidence in the digital economy, address discriminatory practices and promote trusted and secure  cross-border data flows, among other important issues.

We can increase food security and help our farmers, ranchers, and fishers expand access to markets throughout the region by using science-based practices and optimizing land, water, and fuel use.

Increased transparency, good regulatory practices, and stronger consumer protection coupled with fairer competition, expanded access for all small businesses and technical assistance will unlock enormous economic value for our region, especially for small businesses.

Taken together, the components of the trade pillar will promote a race to the top for all, strengthen our supply chains and spur cooperation that supports durable growth.

This Framework will be a model for the rest of the world to follow.  It will unlock enormous economic value for our region. And we will develop these pillars with input and discussion from stakeholders, trading partners, and Congress.

The IPEF is our commitment to the region and its people; that the United States will fight for the common good to ensure that the next generation inherits a better world.

And I am excited about continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.

Thank you.

The U.S. Commercial Service provides guidance on doing business in the Philippines and offers valuable assistance to help U.S. businesses exporting to the Philippines.  Please access our Country Commercial Guides (CCG) to quickly find everything you need to know about doing business overseas, with in-depth information on exporting.  Updated and easy to navigate, the Country Commercial Guides are your starting point on the road to global success.

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