Marcos pushes for BIMP-EAGA progress through collaboration at ASEAN Summit

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, innovation, and political will during a meeting at the 46th ASEAN Summit to support the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Marcos affirmed a shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous, and resilient BIMP-EAGA, highlighting progress made since adopting Vision 2025 in 2017.

Launched in 1994, BIMP-EAGA aims to boost trade, investments, tourism, and new intra-regional shipping routes and air links.

The Philippines chairs this year's summit, with a focus on connectivity, trade facilitation, food and energy security, ecotourism, and green development.

Marcos noted that joint initiatives in these areas have advanced significantly, reinforcing the commitment to narrowing the development gap in the sub-region.

Mindanao Development Authority chairman Leo Tereso Magno said they are prioritizing interconnectivity and promoting Mindanao for future developmental projects.