The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) on Wednesday strengthened international trade and cooperation in the face of rising global uncertainty.

This comes as DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan sought improved trade and partnership during the 2026 Autumn Economic Forum (AEF).

In a statement, Balisacan stressed that economies must not retreat from integration but instead boost resilience through continuous trade and investments.

“We cannot assume that the conditions underpinning past growth will return. But the answer is not to retreat from integration. It is to reduce over-dependence and build our capacity to adapt,” Balisacan said.

In particular, the chief economist mentioned key drivers of growth that need a strong business ecosystem.

These include advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, digital services, as well as the green transition, which demands support in infrastructure, innovation, skills and connectivity.

“The value of an investment depends partly on what the country’s ecosystem enables it to do,” Balisacan added.

Regional partnerships, likewise, are seen as crucial to help economies hit targets which may be difficult to achieve on their own.

For the Philippines, the DEPDev reiterated its direction to advance energy security and connectivity under its 2026 ASEAN chairship.

“We are advancing energy security and connectivity through the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security and the ASEAN Power Grid,” Balisacan said.

Besides these, the Philippines is also eyeing the formalization of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in November.

Under DEFA, cross-border digital trade is expected alongside the expansion of opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Southeast Asia. (PNA)