Global Markets
Home›Global Markets›Trade & Tariffs›Philippines pitches itself as Latin America gateway to…
Philippines pitches itself as Latin America gateway to Asean
Manila said the push includes expanding logistics links through direct trans-Pacific shipping routes to cut costs and protect supply chains from global shocks.
The Philippines is positioning itself as a commercial bridge between Latin America and Southeast Asia as Asean and Mercosur explore new partners, according to SCMP Economy.
Manila’s Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro made the pitch during visits to Brazil and Chile from August 10 to 13, arguing that shared Spanish colonial history, Catholic ties, and people to people links can translate into trade, and calling the Philippines the strategic gateway for Latin American firms seeking access to Asean’s US$4-trillion market.
Lazaro also proposed expanding logistics connections, pointing to the regional presence of port operator International Container Terminal Services, and linking the effort to lower shipping costs and greater supply chain resilience via direct trans-Pacific routes.
The initiative comes as Asean and Mercosur look beyond traditional partners amid US tariffs, energy insecurity, and wider geopolitical uncertainty, SCMP Economy added.