SEOUL, 10 November 2026 — Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez met with Director General Jun-hyoung Bae of the ROK Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) on 3 November 2026 to review progress in bilateral economic cooperation and discuss opportunities to further strengthen trade and investment ties ahead of the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines.

The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of economic initiatives following the March 2026 Summit between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and President Lee Jae Myung, particularly in translating commitments under the Philippines-ROK Strategic Partnership into concrete outcomes. Discussions covered the implementation of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, the Luzon Economic Corridor, shipbuilding, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and opportunities to expand Korean investments in the Philippines.

Ambassador Fernandez underscored the importance of investments that create quality jobs, strengthen domestic industries, and promote inclusive economic growth.

“We welcome greater Korean investment across the Philippines, including in emerging industrial centers in the Visayas and Mindanao. Our economic partnership should create opportunities for businesses and deliver tangible benefits to communities throughout the country,” Ambassador Fernandez said.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained coordination with relevant government agencies and the private sector to advance priority projects and build on the positive momentum in PH-ROK economic relations. END