Manila, 1 April 2025: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe met with Her Excellency Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, in Manila on 1 April 2025.

During the meeting, President Watanabe reaffirmed ERIA’s strong commitment to working closely with the Government of the Philippines and supporting the country’s preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

Both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration on key issues, including digital transformation, the semiconductor industry, energy transition, and other strategic priorities aligned with the Philippines’ national agenda and ASEAN’s regional goals.

The meeting highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation to advance ASEAN's regional integration and sustainable development.