WTO Director-General Makes Landmark Visit to the Philippines

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during her visit last December 2024.

GENEVA 24 February 2025 – World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General (DG) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala paid a landmark visit to the Philippines on 04 December 2024 to engage with key government officials, business leaders and other stakeholders, highlighting the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the WTO and underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to fostering global trade and economic development, multilateralism amidst trade tensions, and support for a rules-based multilateral trading system.  Dr. Ngozi called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace where they discussed vital issues, including the Philippines’ trade and economic priorities, the role of multilateral trade agreements, and the significance of enhancing global cooperation in addressing economic challenges.

President Marcos Jr. expressed the Philippines’ gratitude for the WTO’s ongoing support in advancing the country’s trade agenda and the general reforms of the Organization, and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to upholding the principles of free and fair trade. “The Philippines values its partnership with the WTO as a critical driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to address the challenges and opportunities of the global trade environment,” President Marcos said, adding: “We have big plans and I think one of the many things that we picked up from the conference just like Davos with interactions with other leaders and other countries, is that it really requires transformation. But trade has become more important than ever.”

The DG commended the Philippines for its active role in the multilateral trading system and its efforts to align domestic policies with international trade standards. “The Philippines has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the WTO’s principles, and its leadership in the region serves as an example of how trade can be harnessed to achieve economic progress and social inclusion,” the DG stated.  “I want to start by congratulating you because I was looking at the numbers of the economy. And you are not doing badly at all. Six percent per annum growth rate in an environment of high inflation in the world, low growth rates. So I think the Philippines is doing reasonably well under the circumstances,” Iweala told President Marcos.  She posted in her Instagram account on 04 December 2024: “A really interesting and informed discussion on global trade issues in the context of geopolitical tensions, and the role WTO can play to help manage these tensions. Also focused on the important role of middle powers in shoring up the Multilateral Trading System. Thank you, Mr President, for your passion for the subject, your knowledge and your wit.”

The visit also included dialogues with representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Finance, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the private sector on a broad range of topics including digital trade, agricultural development, women economic empowerment, and addressing global supply chain disruptions. END

Secretary of Trade Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque hosted a welcome dinner for Director-General Ngozi together with the Filipino business leaders, namely Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon, owner of Happy Concept Group Happy Ongpauco Tiu, and the multi-awarded designer Ms. Zarah Juan. (Photo credits to the Department of Trade and Industry)

(from left to right) Secretary of Trade Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go, Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Senior Advisor to the Director-General Mr. Tomochika Uyama, and Special Assistant and Advisor to the Director-General Ms. Nicole Mensa.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa, and served as resource person during the Eminent Speaker’s Forum held at the ADB Headquarters in Manila.

For more information, visit https://wtopm.dfa.gov.ph/