PH, SINGAPORE AGREE TO DEEPEN TRADE, AI, INVESTMENT COOPERATION

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence (AI), investments, healthcare, and social development, while committing to pursue new bilateral agreements that would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

Following their meeting at the Istana in Singapore, President Marcos said the discussions focused on expanding economic collaboration and addressing emerging opportunities brought about by new technologies.

“Today, I met with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss how the Philippines and Singapore can expand trade, navigate the adoption of AI, attract more investments and deepen cooperation in the health and social sectors,” the President said.

President Marcos noted that both sides also agreed to advance new bilateral agreements aimed at reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Manila and Singapore and delivering tangible benefits to their peoples.

“We also agreed to move forward with new bilateral agreements that will strengthen our partnership and benefit our peoples,” the President said.

President Marcos underscored the importance of close cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations as founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly amid evolving regional and global challenges.

“As close neighbors and partners in ASEAN, we will continue working together to keep our region peaceful, stable and open to greater opportunities for everyone,” the President said.

The meeting formed part of the President’s July 14 to 16 working visit to Singapore, where he has been engaging government leaders and business executives to strengthen economic ties, attract investments, and promote the Philippines as a competitive destination for trade and investment.