PH Lauds Thailand as Key Ally in ASEAN Trade Growth

The Philippine government has expressed its appreciation to Thailand as a key ally in ASEAN trade growth and one of its top trading partners in the region.

The Philippines and Thailand are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. I Photo: Rising Red Dragon Imexco Facebook

“In 2023, bilateral trade between our two nations reached nearly USD 10 billion, making Thailand our 7th largest trading partner, 6th top import source, and 8th export destination. These numbers reflect not just market potential, but the trust and synergy between our business communities,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized during the opening ceremony of Thailand Week 2025.

The ceremony was led by Secretary Roque, Mr. Rangsant Srimangkorn, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Royal Thai Embassy, and Ms. Sutinee Vathana, Director of the Thai Trade Center in Manila.  

Thailand Week 2025, organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce in Thailand and the Thai Trade Center Manila, featured over 70 companies showcasing a diverse range of Thai products, including food and beverages, fashion accessories, beauty, health, and household goods.  

Roque congratulated the organizers and emphasized that the event held even more significance as the Philippines and Thailand celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.

She highlighted that the partnership is rooted in shared values, strong people-to-people ties, and a vision for inclusive economic growth across ASEAN.  

“Beyond the immediate trade opportunities presented by the event, Thailand Week 2025 serves as a platform for collaboration in key areas, including food processing and agribusiness—with a focus on food innovation, halal-certified products, and sustainable agriculture; MSME development and creative industry promotion; and the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle industries,” she noted.

According to Roque, the DTI is committed to fostering this collaboration by facilitating trade missions, encouraging investment linkages, and supporting MSMEs in accessing new markets.

She said the Philippines and Thailand are expected to further enhance trade, investment, and innovation opportunities aligned with the Philippines’ focus on strengthening international partnerships for economic growth and global competitiveness.  

The DTI chief stressed the importance of building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies within ASEAN, especially with deeper economic integration under the ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).  

She also reiterated the readiness of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Bangkok to provide support for future collaborations and partnerships.

Roque further stated, “May this week forge not just trade, but lasting bonds of friendship and shared progress. Together, let us demonstrate the strength of our partnership to ASEAN and the world. Let Thailand Week 2025 stand as a testament to what we can achieve when we unite.”

Thailand Week 2025 was held from March 27 to 30 at the Ground Floor, Activity Center Circle, Ayala Malls Market! Market!, Taguig City. The event featured Thai cooking demonstrations, cultural performances, and business-matching activities.