Philippines Calls for Trade Stability and Financial Inclusion at 2025 APEC SOM2 

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jose delivering an intervention at SOM2. (Seoul PE photo)

SEOUL 20 May 2025 — The Philippines participated in the 2nd Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM2) and Related Meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Jeju, Republic of Korea from 04 to 16 May 2025. The Philippines was represented by 45 delegates attending 25 working-group level meetings including three Minister-level meetings – the APEC Education Ministerial Meeting from 13 to 15 May 2025, the APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting from 11 to 12 May 2025 and the Ministers’ Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting from 15 to 16 May 2025.   

Led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles C. Jose, the Philippine delegation engaged in discussions on supporting the multilateral trading system, financial inclusion through digitalization and AI-driven initiatives, policies that address the needs of underserved communities, and strengthening public-private partnerships to bridge development gaps. 

The delegation received coordination and logistical support from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, enabling effective participation in the meetings and related events.

The APEC SOM2 discussions focused on enhancing digital transformation while ensuring responsible AI adoption across member economies, strengthening WTO modernization and regional trade stability, as well as mitigating economic global uncertainties toward promoting inclusive growth. 

The DFA also joined the Philippine delegation for the Meeting of the Ministers’ Responsible for Trade (MRT), led by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, held on 15-16 May 2025 which further echoed the discussions from SOM2 on the renewal of trust in the multilateral trading system and the crucial role of APEC amidst the growing uncertainties in global trade. END

The delegation received crucial support from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. (Seoul PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.seoulpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy-seoul.com, https://www.instagram.com/phinkorea or https://www.facebook.com/PHinKorea/.