Manila, Feb. 5 -- The Philippines is expanding its international collaborations as part of the policies of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen trade partnerships, attract long-term investments, and improve the country's export revenues.

In a statement Wednesday, the Department of Trade and Industry said Secretary Cristina Roque made this statement during her speech at the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum on Tuesday, emphasizing the Philippines' strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region.

"The Indo-Pacific is the engine of the global economy, contributing 60 percent of global GDP (gross domestic product) and over 80 percent of global merchandise trade. The Philippines, with its strategic location and dynamic economy, ...