PH Strengthens Global Trade Leadership at 2024 Strategic Trade Management Summit
MANILA 16 September 2024 – The Philippines’ commitment to building a reliable and efficient strategic trade management system was showcased at the conclusion of the four-day Philippine Strategic Trade Management Summit, held from 09 to 12 September 2024 at Shangri-La The Fort.
In his keynote address to open the Summit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the critical importance of strategic trade management (STM) in an increasingly complex global environment. "This Summit is not merely about managing trade; it is about mitigating risks, promoting stability, and ensuring that the tools of our progress do not become weapons of our destruction," the President stated.
Hosting this important forum for the first time, the Philippines welcomed over 300 representatives from more than 35 countries and 20 international organizations, industries, and academic institutions. The summit brought together partners from across the globe, including the United States, Japan, Europe, Africa, and the ASEAN region, demonstrating the power of collaboration in securing global supply chains and fostering economic growth.
President Marcos underscored the Philippines' leadership in supporting both global security and economic prosperity, citing the country's improved ranking in the Peddling Peril Index as proof of progress. "Strategic trade management is more than just a bureaucratic exercise. It is about upholding the rule of law, protecting our people, and contributing to global peace and security," he emphasized.
Strategic trade management focuses on regulating goods and technologies with dual-use potential—those that can serve both civilian and military purposes—ensuring they are not used for illegal activities. The summit addressed the challenges posed by emerging technologies, with the President stressing the need for agile and forward-thinking regulatory systems. "The rapid pace of technological advancement demands us to be more agile, more responsible, and forward-thinking in our regulatory regimes," he added.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo highlighted the vital role of strategic trade management in maintaining international peace and security. He also acknowledged the pivotal contributions of women in the field, noting the inclusion of the "Women in Strategic Trade (WiST) Forum" as a key element of the summit.
At the WiST Forum, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela urged participants to “aim for impact” in their efforts to enhance women’s meaningful participation in international peace and security dialogues. The forum marked a significant step toward promoting gender equality in the strategic trade sector.
The President also shared the Philippines’ vision of becoming a key player in the global market through strategic investments in essential industries. "The Philippines has launched a strategic investment plan focused on developing key industries, empowering us to position ourselves better in the global market," President Marcos stated.
The summit underscored the Philippines’ role as a leader in promoting international peace, security, and prosperity. President Marcos concluded, "Each of us has a clear stake in building a more secure and prosperous world. Let this summit remind us to renew important conversations and reinforce our commitment to Bagong Pilipinas."
The Philippine Strategic Trade Management Summit, which included the 4th Southeast Asia Forum for Export Controls and the 3rd Women in Strategic Trade Forum, was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Strategic Trade Management Office (STMO). With strong support from key international partners, including the U.S. State Department and the Department of Energy, the summit marked a significant milestone in advancing secure, responsible, and sustainable global trade.
The President’s keynote address can be accessed HERE. END
