The Philippines now has 23 free trade agreements in force or under active negotiations with other countries as a result of its active international engagements, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his Fifth State of the Nation (SONA) on Monday.

In the midst of the difficult period, President Marcos said the country’s strong foreign relations have earned it incalculable dividends, making the Philippines once again a full member of the community of nations.

“Our vigilant trade facilitation efforts have resulted in integrating our country into the international free trade network that is the widest and most active one that we have ever had in our history,” said President Marcos.

“It has yielded transformative economic agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership,” the President added.

The chief executive announced that the Philippines is set to seal another promising Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, this time with the United Arab Emirates.

The Philippine exports have grown and continued to grow, reflecting the nation’s high productivity and the increasing competitiveness of products and services in the international trade market, the President noted.

With these developments, President Marcos pointed out that it is a smart idea for the country to reinforce its strengths, enhance its comparative advantage, and diversify its portfolio.

“On this principle, we have maintained our competitiveness in supplying critical components to top technology companies in the world,” the President said.

“We have also maintained export competitiveness for our indigenous farm products, such as ube, coconut, bananas, and other tropical fruits. And we have now ventured into new and viable ones, like enoki mushrooms.” Presidential News Desk