Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty led the Philippine delegation to the 30th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat held on 08-09 March 2024 in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.

During the Meeting, ASEAN economic officials discussed key economic priorities for development under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and exchanged views on the regional and global economic situation. Matters discussed include progress on the negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition, and the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), among others.

The Meeting also adopted the ASEAN Services Facilitation Framework (ASFF), which will allow a more transparent business environment for companies to engage in trade within the ASEAN region.

#PHinLaoPDR

In the photo: Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty meets chair and host of the 30th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat, Lao PDR Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith (Photo courtesy of the Lao PDR Ministry of Industry and Commerce)