Manila, 11 June 2025: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe met with His Excellency Ralph Gonzalez Recto, Secretary of the Department of Finance of the Philippines, during an official visit to Manila.

President Watanabe introduced ERIA’s key initiatives and ongoing activities, and expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ continued support. He also underscored opportunities for enhanced collaboration, especially in the context of the country’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

Secretary Recto welcomed stronger engagement with ERIA and expressed interest in working together on shared strategic priorities. He noted the importance of ERIA’s support for ASEAN 2026, particularly in shaping financial policies that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The two sides exchanged views on key issues such as digital finance, green finance, and regional financial integration. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing ASEAN’s economic resilience and deeper financial cooperation through close collaboration.

Photo credit: the Department of Finance of the Philippines