Asia Regional Integration Center

The ADB—OREI co-sponsored the forum on “Regional Economic Integration and Inclusive Growth” conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies last 17 September. Close to a hundred participants with 39 online viewers from government, academe, media, international organizations and private sector attended the event. The forum discussed the Philippine’s preparedness for economic integration within the ASEAN framework. Subjects featured include trade and investment liberalization and facilitation as well as transport facilitation and logistics. Insights on the role of SMEs in the ASEAN community and their integration within the regional production networks were also highlighted.

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Opening Remarks

Dr. Josef T. Yap, President, PIDS

Asian Economic Integration Monitor (AEIM)—
Regional, Economic Integration: A Balanced View

Mr. James P. Villafuerte, Team Leader, Asia Regional Integration Center,
Office of Regional Economic Integration, ADB

Panel Discussion on ASEAN Economic Community Mid-term Review

Trade Liberalization and Facilitation

Dr. Erlinda M. Medalla, Research Fellow, PIDS

Investment Liberalization and Facilitation

Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Research Fellow, PIDS

Transport Facilitation

Dr. Gilberto M. Llanto, Research Fellow, PIDS

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Globalized Economies:
An Alternative Path to Inclusive Growth

Dr. Dionisius A. Narjoko, Researcher, Economic Research Institute
for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)

Corruption and the Local Business Environment:
Insights from SMEs in 29 Philippine Cities

Dr. Ronald U. Mendoza, Executive Director, AIM Policy Center,
and Mr. Joel E. Bancolita,
Statistician, AIM Policy Center

Closing Remarks

Hon. Merly M. Cruz, Undersecretary for Regional Operations Development and Development Group