Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 28, 2021

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined his fellow Leaders in the 14th Brunei Darussalam – Indonesia – Malaysia – Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit as the final day of the 39th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits was held via virtual convention.

Chaired by President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, the four (4) ASEAN Leaders discussed the concrete contributions of BIMP-EAGA towards economic development in the sub-regional group prior to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; priority programs such as various infrastructure projects to boost the economic corridor, enhance connectivity and bridge digital divides; sustain trade and supply chains; pursue food security as one of the major food baskets in ASEAN; sustain urbanization and livability of cities; revive the tourism industry; recovery programs to mitigate the effects of COVID-19; and how to achieve the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025, among others.

The Leaders recognized the impact of COVID-19 to the economic development of the sub-regional group and agreed to collaborate on several initiatives to revive its economic sectors while addressing relevant issues and concerns, such as climate change.

The Leaders also adopted the Joint Statement highlighting the BIMP-EAGA’s priority projects and future cooperation in several areas of mutual concern.

Apart from the BIMP-EAGA Leaders, the ASEAN Secretary General and Asian Development Bank (ADB) President delivered their respective statements.

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