Manila: The Philippines serves as a 'premier strategic gateway' for Latin American firms that are looking to expand into Southeast Asia's USD4 trillion market, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said. In separate foreign policy speeches during her official visit to Brazil and Chile from Aug. 10 to 13, the Filipino diplomat highlighted Manila, Santiago, and Brasilia's growing cooperation, similarities, and strong people-to-people ties.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro emphasized that formal agreements open doors, but it is the people and businesses that sustain resilient economies. She remarked on the shared history, faith, and cultural affinities which form a natural foundation for academic exchanges, tourism, and talent mobility between the regions. In her speech in Chile, she noted that the Philippines acts as the premier strategic gateway for Latin American firms expanding into the ASEAN market.
Lazaro pointed out that major Philippine multinationals, such as International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), are already operating in Latin America, managing critical port terminals across the region. She mentioned that expanding these logistics ties would establish direct trans-Pacific shipping routes, reducing costs and insulating supply chains against global shocks.
In her address, Lazaro highlighted the interlinkage of the Pacific Ocean, stating that it connects destinies rather than separating them. This trans-Pacific bridge, she said, is an existential imperative in an uncertain world, fostering a partnership of equals that ensures the nations remain secure, resilient, and sovereign.
Despite Latin America's USD7 trillion economy, Lazaro noted it accounts for less than 2 percent of Philippine trade. Under the Marcos administration, the Philippines aims to secure investments in renewable energy, critical minerals, and mining technology, while expanding cooperation on agri-tech and food security with both Brazil and Chile.
The Philippines offers itself as a high-value industrial partner in semiconductors, electronics, processed foods, and global services. Lazaro also proposed a 'broader maritime agenda' with Chile and a deeper defense partnership with Brazil, covering maritime domain awareness, ocean governance, disaster resilience, and combating illegal fishing.
During her Latin America trip, Lazaro met with Brazilian President Luiz In¡cio Lula da Silva and Chilean President Jos© Antonio Kast Rist. In these meetings, she formally conveyed Manila's intention to expand cooperation with both states across a broad range of areas, including trade, science and technology, and education.
