Philippines Highlights Inclusive Trade and MSME Development at 59th ITC Joint Advisory Group
GENEVA 16 July 2025 — The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade during the 59th Session of the International Trade Centre (ITC) Joint Advisory Group (JAG), held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 27 June 2025. Philippine Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ambassador Manuel A.J. Teehankee delivered the country statement, spotlighting the deepening collaboration between the Philippines and ITC in advancing trade-driven development.
In his remarks, Ambassador Teehankee commended the ITC’s people-centered approach, especially its support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), women entrepreneurs, and youth-led initiatives and highlighted ongoing collaborations with ITC aligned with national development goals.
“The Philippines values ITC’s work in empowering marginalized sectors to participate meaningfully in global trade,” said Ambassador Teehankee. “Our partnership with ITC helps realize our vision of inclusive, innovation-led growth that uplifts MSMEs and enhances competitiveness.”
The Philippines is a beneficiary of several flagship ITC programs, including the EU-funded ARISE Plus Philippines, which enhances the country’s trade facilitation and export competitiveness, particularly in sectors such as processed food, coconut products, and the creative industries. The Climate Competitiveness Project and the Inclusive Digital Philippines Initiative are equipping MSMEs to comply with sustainability-linked trade requirements and digitize business operations. Ambassador Teehankee also cited the Philippines’ participation in the SheTrades initiative.
He further welcomed regional programs: “We continue to benefit from ARISE Plus ASEAN, which has supported trade facilitation, standards development, and institutional reform. We also look ahead to the EU–ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package or SCOPE Trade and the opportunity for ITC to co-create regional programs on value chain integration, sustainability standards, carbon measurement tools, and digital trade facilitation aligned with ASEAN and national priorities.”
Held annually, the ITC Joint Advisory Group session gathers representatives from around the world to review the organization’s work and provide guidance on strategic priorities. Chaired by South Africa, the 59th JAG Session convened member states, partners, and stakeholders under the theme of “Resilient Trade for Inclusive Growth.” WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the tightening global trade dynamics and policy uncertainty and advocated "re-globalization" to bring more countries into global supply chains. UNCTAD’s Director Adnan Issa, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, emphasized the strength of the partnership between UNCTAD, ITC, and the WTO and reiterated the importance of partnerships to promote sustainable development and data-driven policymaking. ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton reflected on ITC’s efforts to build connected, sustainable, and inclusive trade ecosystems amid trade turbulence and emphasized the organization’s commitment to driving equitable trade through innovation and strategic partnerships.
As one of ITC’s longstanding partners, the Philippines reiterated its support for strengthening multilateral cooperation in trade and underscored the importance of ensuring that digital transformation and green transitions leave no one behind. END
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