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Geneva, Switzerland — The Philippines has been appointed to the Fish Fund Steering Committee, joining other beneficiary members in supporting the effective implementation of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The country will be represented by Mr. Marlito Cabuños, Agriculture Attaché of the Philippine Agriculture Office in Geneva.
The Steering Committee plays a vital role in guiding the use of the Fisheries Funding Mechanism—a dedicated trust fund established to help developing and least-developed countries implement their obligations under the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. With an initial fund of USD 17 million, the mechanism provides technical assistance and capacity-building support to countries striving to address harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Philippines, along with other committee members, will help oversee the strategic and impactful deployment of these resources as the first call for proposals is launched.
All Steering Committee members, including Mr. Cabuños, will serve a minimum term of one year.
The Philippines, as one of the beneficiary members, joins as new member of the Fish Fund Steering Committee. (Photo courtesy of WTO)
Ambassador Manuel A.J. Teehankee, Philippine Permanent Representative to the WTO, welcomed the appointment: “The Philippines is honored to serve on the Steering Committee at this critical time. As an archipelagic nation with millions depending on fisheries for their livelihood and food security, we are committed to contributing to the success of the Fisheries Funding Mechanism and ensuring that the Agreement delivers real benefits for coastal communities and marine sustainability.”
At the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), the Philippines was identified as a prospective priority beneficiary of the funding mechanism, recognizing the country’s proactive role in global fisheries reform and its particular needs as a developing coastal state.
In parallel with its participation in the Fund’s governance, the Philippines continues to advance key domestic fisheries management reforms. These include strengthened monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to combat IUU fishing and updated measures to restore overfished stocks—ensuring that national efforts remain aligned with global sustainability goals.
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(L-R) Bocconi University Professor Leonardo Borlini, OECD Head of the State-Owned Enterprise Unit Ms. Sara Sultan, University of New South Wales Professor Deborah Healey, and, Executive Director of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations Mr. Johann Barcena.
The Philippines and Australia Host Dialogue on Governance of State-Owned Enterprises
Geneva, Switzerland – On 29 April 2025, the Permanent Missions of the Philippines and Australia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) co-hosted a session on the governance of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as part of the WTO Members’ conversations on current economic issues. Taking advantage of the presence of capital-based officials, the event was held alongside the formal meetings of the Committees on Safeguards (SG), Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM), and Anti-Dumping Practices (ADP).
Moderated by Ms. Sara Sultan, Head of the State-Owned Enterprise Unit at the OECD, the session drew strong participation from delegations interested in advancing discussions on promoting fair competition and effective SOE governance.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Sultan emphasized the core principles of the revised OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of SOEs, including professional state ownership, the maintenance of a level playing field, and the integration of sustainability into SOE governance. She noted that SOEs are expanding their global market share, particularly in critical industries, and the updated Guidelines aim to ensure that state ownership does not distort competition.
Mr. Johann Barcena, Executive Director of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GCG), highlighted the Philippines’ progressive reforms aligned with the OECD Guidelines. Mr. Barcena shared the country’s experience in strengthening ownership policy, implementing competitive neutrality, conducting subsidiarity analysis, and enhancing transparency between the commercial and non-commercial activities of government corporations.
Professor Deborah Healey of the University of New South Wales shared Australia's extensive experience in embedding competitive neutrality into national law, beginning with the Hilmer Review reforms of the 1990s. She explained how Australia's competitive neutrality frameworks and complaint mechanisms have contributed to sustained economic growth, underscoring the importance of separating regulatory and commercial functions within SOEs.
Meanwhile, Professor Leonardo Borlini of Bocconi University discussed the emergence of SOE disciplines in free trade agreements (FTAs) and WTO accession protocols. He highlighted the commitments in relevant SOE chapters in various bilateral and regional FTAs, existing gaps in the WTO framework and proposed potential reforms to enhance market competition.
Throughout the discussion, speakers and participants recognized the dual challenge of maintaining competitive markets while preserving governments’ ability to use SOEs for legitimate public purposes. Issues such as transparency mechanisms, market distortions, and future prospects for multilateral cooperation on SOE governance were also discussed.
The event provided an important platform for WTO Members to exchange experiences and explore pathways for deeper international cooperation on the governance of SOEs in a rapidly changing global economy.
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Personnel of the Philippine Missions in Geneva with Ms. Ildeme Mahinay Koch
Geneva, Switzerland – To celebrate 2025 National Women’s Month, the Philippine Mission to the WTO hosted a talk on 20 March on the challenges and opportunities for global Filipina entrepreneurs, in line with the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
Ms. Ildeme Mahinay Koch, CEO of Zurich-based De Moi, shared her journey as a Filipina entrepreneur in Switzerland, highlighting trade policy challenges, market access issues, and opportunities for collaboration and growth. She stressed the need to equip women entrepreneurs with proper tools to understand trade agreements and policies, and learn from best practices through trainings and networking opportunities. Minister and Deputy Permanent Representative Gabriel Bautista commended Ms. Koch for her “most insightful, valuable and grounded perspectives” and noted that the WTO Secretariat has identified the first beneficiaries for the WTO Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. Deputy Permanent Representative noted that support for women enterpreneurs is an important advocacy for the Philippine government and looked towards future collaboration including involvement in the WEIDE Fund.
Key insights discussed included: 1) free trade agreements (FTAs), like the EFTA-Philippines FTA boost businesses but regulatory inconsistencies hinder regional expansion, such as in ASEAN; 2) understanding trade regulations and adapting to customs policies can be challenging for foreign entrepreneurs; and 3) success in global trade requires trusted distributors, compliance with regulations, and support from chambers of commerce.
Ms. Koch emphasized that exporting Philippine products made from local inputs such as for the cosmetics sector, has been challenging for small players due to their difficulties securing globally recognized certification of standards and in navigating complex licensing processes. She stressed the need for better mentorship, funding, policy advocacy for gender-inclusive trade, and export readiness. She urged for the streamlining of regulations in ASEAN, implementation of digital approval systems, and more exposure for women entrepreneurs on international standards to strengthen the region as a global trade powerhouse.
A Cebuana, Ms. Koch has been recognized for her commitment to ethical entrepreneurship, and was named one of the Most Influential Filipinas in the World by Foundation for Filipina Women’ Network (FWN) in 2019. A dedicated author, she wrote two books which inspire women to embrace their strength and potential. END
Ms. Koch with First Secretary Oliver C. Delfin, GAD Focal Person of the Philippine Mission to the WTO
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Geneva, 11 April 2025 - The Philippines, together with 39 WTO Member Economies and Friends of the System, co-sponsors the milestone document titled, Statement in Support of the Rules-Based Multilateral Trading System on the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the WTO.
With the hope of keeping the spirit of Marrakesh alive, the Statement highlights the value and achievements of the WTO since 1995. It also acknowledges WTO’s role in upholding the principles of a free, fair, inclusive, sustainable and rules-based multilateral trading system amidst the ever-changing global economic architecture, especially with rising protectionism, trade disruptions, and climate change. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in her remarks, emphasized that, “The uncertainty around global trade has reminded many members why they value the WTO as a bedrock of predictability in the global economy – and as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on trade.”
The Statement also emphasized the importance of promoting necessary reforms within the organization in order to adapt and ensure its relevance as we chart the future direction of the WTO. Director-General Ngozi stated that these economic challenges may be seen as an opportunity to “change the system for the better,” and called on the Member-Economies that “work should start here in Geneva and culminate with a ministerial debate and endorsement of a way forward at MC14.”
In his statement, the Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO Manuel A.J. Teehankee, stated that “the Philippine co-sponsorship of the Statement reaffirms the Philippine commitment to the WTO’s core principles of utilizing trade as a driver of development and prosperity to the global community of nations!”
WTO Director-General Ngozi with the high-level officials attended the WTO@30 event.
Photo credit: World Trade Organization
The 30th Anniversary Statement was issued during the celebration of the WTO held on 10 April 2025, which was attended by the Honorable José Manuel Barroso, Former Prime Minister of Portugal and former President of the European Commission, State Councillor Ms. Anne Hiltpold on behalf of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, former WTO Directors-General Ambassador Roberto Azevedo and Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, former Chairs of the General Council, members of the international organizations, and private sectors.
The Philippines is one of the pioneer members of the WTO since its establishment on 1 January 1995.
The full Statement may be accessed here:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/WT/GC/271.pdf&Open=True
Philippines and ADB Drive Forward Dialogue on Resilient and Responsible Critical Minerals in the WTO
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(from left to right) Dr. Rocky Lee of Innovasian Tech, Ambassador and Permanent Representative Manuel A.J. Teehankee, Ms. Ieva Baršauskaitė of International Institute for Sustainable Development, Mr. Bruce Gosper, Vice President of the Asian Development Bank, WTO Director Aik Hoe Lim, and Dr. Julian Clarke of the Asian Development Bank.
Geneva, Switzerland – October 9, 2024 – The Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) successfully co-organized a high-level panel discussion on 7 October 2024 on "Building Resilient and Responsible Critical Minerals Supply Chains for the Clean Energy Transition." The event was held as part of the WTO’s Trade and Environment Week 2024, and brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to explore the vital role of critical minerals in driving the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Ambassador Manuel A. J. Teehankee, the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the WTO, and Bruce Gosper, Vice President of the ADB, provided keynote messages at the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the role of trade in building a sustainable supply chain for critical minerals essential to the clean energy sector.
Ambassador Teehankee and ADB Vice President Gosper delivering their keynote speeches.
Ambassador Teehankee highlighted the Philippines' emerging role and potential as a key player in the global supply chain for critical minerals, including nickel, copper and cobalt, which are vital for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy systems. He underscored the country’s commitment to responsible mining practices and environmental sustainability by “pursuing multi-stakeholder partnerships, including the requirement to integrate biodiversity management plans into mining operations and the establishment of a joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippines’ Chamber of Mines.” Ambassador Teehankee noted the proactive efforts of the local industry to join the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, which commits member firms to meet ESG standards on safety, community engagement including with indigenous peoples, and environmental protection. Given its capital-intensive nature and the long gestation periods for mining projects, Ambassador Teehankee also highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify and rationalize the mining fiscal regime and to fast-track new guidelines to streamline and fast-track the processing of exploration mining permits.
Speaking on the nexus of development, trade and climate response, ADB Vice President Gosper addressed four critical challenges facing critical minerals supply chains: supply concentration; environmental and social concerns; market volatility and external shocks. He highlighted the importance of trade-related climate measures as policy tools as well as the crucial role that regional cooperation plays in supporting investments for sustainable and responsible mining projects, including ADB’s development financing and the capacity-building support it has provided in the development of green and blue bonds in the region. ADB is building knowledge among its partner governments, including Uzbekistan and Mongolia, on developing its domestic capacities to improve competitiveness and increase value addition.
WTO member countries, academe and civil society groups participated in the panel discussion.
The panel provided an opportunity to launch new WTO-ADB critical minerals database project, tracking resources from origin to destination, which would improve transparency and would provide knowledge tools for policymakers, researchers, and civil society. The WTO-ADB critical minerals database will utilize WTO data sets on applied tariffs and trade values for products in critical minerals value chains, comprehensive information on members’ policies and regulations in this sector, and data visualization tools to examine linkages in value chains.
The panel also addressed the potential for trade policies to drive sustainability in the critical minerals sector. They discussed strategies for enhancing transparency, traceability, and due diligence throughout the supply chain to promote inclusive, responsible and sustainable practices. The panelists emphasized the need for regional and global cooperation, inclusive trade frameworks, and the role of international organizations in setting standards for sustainable trade in critical minerals. Ambassador Teehankee called for further policy dialogue within the WTO on critical minerals supply chains and noted that members “have a strong political foundation to move work forward, with the September 2024 release of the UN Secretary-General’s Panel Report setting out Seven Key Principles to Guide Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Of particular relevance to the WTO are policy recommendations to accelerate greater benefit sharing, value addition, and economic diversification as well as traceability for accountability. The report explicitly calls for collaboration with the WTO to ‘identify barriers to market access and trade to assist development.’ While cognizant of the need to avoid unilateral trade barriers, incentivized transparency and accountability frameworks would contribute to the greening of mining value chains – from extraction to recycling.”
The recorded sessions for the 5th WTO Trade and Environment Week may be accessed at the following web link: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/envir_e/envir_0710202409_e/envir_0710202409_e.htm.
The Philippine Mission to WTO hosted a luncheon for the members of the panel and resource speakers.
