-
The Philippines is taking a strong stance in ensuring global trade security and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, according to acting Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque at the Philippine Strategic Trade Management Summit 2024
-
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the event and committed to improve industry standards and further establish linkages through trade and investment frameworks in the region
-
Roque underscored the role of strategic trade management in achieving a balance between economic progress and national security
-
The summit is an annual export control forum focusing on regulatory updates and best practices for the implementation of strategic trade management systems in the country
The Philippines is taking a strong stance in ensuring global trade security and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, according to acting Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque at the Philippine Strategic Trade Management Summit 2024 (STM) on September 9.
The summit was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who said the country will “continue to upgrade industry standards, modernize regulations, and further establish linkages through various trade and investment frameworks such as the ASEAN, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, all these so that we can see a more competitive region in the future.”
In a statement, Roque underscored the role of strategic trade management in achieving a balance between economic progress and national security.
Marcos noted the country has “developed policies that require individuals and entities engaging in STMA-covered activities to register and to receive authorization to deliver their services,” he said. STMA is the Strategic Trade Management Act signed in 2015, which seeks to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
“We have also implemented programs to educate not only the border control and import/export officers in fulfilling their responsibilities but also stakeholders to properly comply with our rules and our regulations,” Marcos added.
He noted that the government has been conducting post-authorization audits, compliance checks, and consultations through monitoring and inspection activities.
The President underlined the Philippines’ STM advancement as being on the right track, as the country’s ranking in the latest Peddling Peril Index improved, while acknowledging that there is much more work to be done.
READ: PH is most improved country in strategic goods trade regulation index
Furthermore, the President vowed to double the country’s commitment to peace and stability, which the Philippines has demonstrated as the first Asian republic that stood for principles over power and as one of the original framers of the UN Charter.
“Today, as we pursue a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, we are doubling down on that same commitment,” President Marcos said.
The summit is an annual export control forum focusing on regulatory updates and best practices for the implementation of STM systems in the country.
It also serves as a platform to discuss counterproliferation challenges, such as emerging technology, intangible technology transfer, transit and transshipment, and sanctions.
Around 300 delegates from various local and international organizations attended the forum, led by Roque, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.
The summit features three annual forums: the 4th Southeast Asia Forum on Export Controls, the 3rd Women in Strategic Trade Forum, and the STM Bilateral Consultation Meetings.
READ: PH hosts review exercise on export controls
BOC, DTI ink deal on strengthening strategic trade facilitation
