DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez pushes for deeper ASEAN economic integration for post-pandemic recovery
The first day of the 53rd Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (53rd AEM) was held today, 8 September 2021, via video conference.
Trade Ministers discussed the status of post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts and recognized the relevance of cooperation in the areas of digital transformation and sustainable economic development as key initiatives in achieving post-pandemic recovery. To this end, the Ministers adopted and endorsed key initiatives such as the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap on ASEAN Digital Transformation, Non-Tariff Measures (NTM) Toolkit, the establishment of the NTM Panel Rapporteurs, and the inclusion of rice in the Expanded List of Essential Goods, among others.
The Philippines was represented by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez. He was joined by fellow Economic Ministers from other ASEAN Member States and official representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. ♦
Date of Release: 8 September 2021
![[IN PHOTO (from left to right): Ms. Ariane Monique Balaoing, PDCB; Exec. Dir. Doris U. Gacho, PODCB; Engr. Juvan V. Matuguinas, Davao City EO; Engr. Osler Ryan Imboy, Davao del Norte Provincial EO; Engr. Arch-Deo Naluan, Davao City EO; Engr. Chona Arocha, Davao City EO; Engr. Manuel D. Cellona, Davao City EO; Mr. Giovann Mikhael C. dela Rosa, PDCB; Engr. Ruel Dumadag, Davao Oriental PEO and Engr. Francis Erl Bahandi, Davao Oriental PEO]](https://dti-prod.beesites.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PDCB-holds-dialogue-with-Davao-LGUs-and-learning-session-with-contractors-at-PHILCONSTRUCT-Mindanao-2025-300x120.jpg)
