India, Philippines Explore New Avenues of Cooperation in Infrastructure, Digital Technologies and Pharmaceuticals

India and Philippines Discuss Strengthening Trade Framework Through ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Review and Preferential Trade Agreement

The fourteenth meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) was convened on 05 June 2026, in Manila, Philippines. The Meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Amit Verma, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India, and Mr. Allan B. Gepty, Undersecretary, Department of Trade and Industry, International Trade Group. Representatives of concerned Ministries, Departments, and Organisations also participated through video conferencing.

Both sides acknowledged the robust growth of bilateral trade between India and the Philippines, which reached USD 3.9 billion in 2025–26, demonstrating a strong upward trajectory. Discussions covered trends in bilateral trade and investment, identification of priority products and services, and promotional activities and cooperation across various fields. The meeting also explored potential areas of collaboration in diverse sectors such as film, energy, construction and infrastructure, ICT/IT-BPM/AI, and pharmaceuticals. Both sides agreed that deeper cooperation in these areas could deliver sustained long-term benefits, enabling each country to pursue its developmental goals more effectively while reinforcing a framework of mutual support.

Improving the business environment to facilitate trade was another key focus. Discussions covered customs cooperation and facilitation, agricultural cooperation and market access for specific products, and trade settlement in national currencies.

The meeting also discussed the early conclusion of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Review, and the engagement for a bilateral India–Philippines Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) thereafter.

Overall, the meeting underscored the strategic importance of strengthening bilateral economic ties, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to building a more dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership.

On the sidelines of the 14th JWGTI, an interaction with Indian businesses operating in the Philippines was held on 04 June 2026, providing a platform for discussions on trade, investment, market opportunities, and ways to further deepen India–Philippines commercial ties.

The next meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) will be held in New Delhi, India. The JWGTI meeting served as a platform for India and the Philippines to exchange perspectives on global, regional, and bilateral developments, with a strong emphasis on enhancing trade in goods and services and investment ties.

Trade and investment cooperation deepens as India and Philippines discuss customs facilitation, market access, and preferential trade arrangements. Strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation between India and the Philippines was discussed through review of trade and investment trends, priority products and services, and expanded cooperation in sectors including infrastructure, ICT, AI, and pharmaceuticals. The discussions also focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation, agricultural market access, and settlement of trade in national currencies. The meeting considered the early conclusion of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement review and engagement on a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.