Manuel Romualdez Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez

Ambassador Romualdez to US: Choose ASEAN

October 21, 2021 Cristina Lee-Pisco 286 views

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee in Washington DC urged the United States to choose its allies when looking for location for business site.

This, when Romualdez met with US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai to discuss opportunities in and prospects for the Southeast Asian region post-pandemic.

The Philippines currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the ACW.

In his remarks, Romualdez urged Tai to “choose ASEAN”, particularly in encouraging US companies to locate their businesses in the region.

The USTR official responded by stressing that “the US is very much interested in being a good ally and partner and would like to work towards that goal.”

Discussions delved on key economic priorities of the ASEAN region, especially on the supply and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines which are key towards the region’s post-pandemic recovery.

In her remarks, Tai stressed that the Biden-Harris administration remains committed to strengthening the US’ trade and economic relationship with ASEAN.

She added that the USTR also looks forward to further engagement on supply chains, digital economy, labor, environment, and micro, small and medium enterprises under the US-ASEAN Trade and Investment Framework Agreement workplan.

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