Malaysia and the Philippines are poised to deepen bilateral cooperation beyond trade, with fresh opportunities identified in the tourism and investment sectors.

Philippine coordinator for the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Leo Tereso Magno, expressed optimism about the future of Malaysia-Philippines ties during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

“Malaysia has long been an important partner for us in Southeast Asia, and our relationship has grown since we established BIMP-EAGA in 1994. Now, we hope to strengthen this bond further, not only in trade but also in investment and tourism,” Magno said.

He added that the ASEAN Summit provides a timely platform to discuss pressing regional concerns, including recent tariff measures imposed by the United States.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr also underscored the importance of BIMP-EAGA collaboration, highlighting it as the foundation for more inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth in the region.

With the Philippines set to host the ASEAN Summit next year, expectations are high for continued momentum in enhancing trade volumes, tourism exchange, and investment flows between the two countries.