A group of Individuals are standing on a stage in front of a blue backdrop that reads "High-Level Conference of Middle Income Countries." The group consists of four men and four women, all formally dressed. They appear to be posing for a photo during the conference. Green foliage decorates the front of the stage. The individuals are identified in the caption as representatives from UN ESCAP, Indorama Ventures Limited (Thailand), World Digital Chamber/KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (Malaysia), United Nations Global Compact, DTI Philippines, City Developments Limited (Singapore), Management Academy of the Philippines, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
From L to R: Mr. Sudip Ranjan Basu, Chief of Sustainable Business Network, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, UN ESCAP; Mr. Anthony M Watanabe Chief Sustainability Officer, Indorama Ventures Limited, Thailand; Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President, World Digital Chamber / President, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, Malaysia; Ms. Tonilyn Lim Chief of Programme, United Nations Global Compact; Cristina A. Roque, DTI Secretary; Ms. Esther An, Executive Council Member of ESBN and Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited (CDL), Singapore; Mr. Rene Almendras, Governor, Management Academy of the Philippines; Ms. Enunina Mangio, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)

Makati City, Philippines—Department Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque and Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty participated in the country’s hosting of the High-Level Conference on Middle-Income Countries (HLC-MIC) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on April 28.

Organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with various government agencies, the event successfully gathered key officials from the Like-Minded Group in support of Middle-Income Countries (LMG-MICs), international organizations, and the private sector. The conference aimed to advance inclusive and sustainable development while addressing the challenges faced by middle-income countries.

The HLC-MIC featured an inaugural Special Dialogue with the Private Sector titled “Enabling Impactful Partnerships for Sustainable Development,” where DTI Secretary Roque delivered the opening remarks.

“When we support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), we are not just supporting businesses, we are supporting communities, empowering families, and building a foundation for inclusivity and lasting development,” said the trade chief.

A distinguished panel of experts from the UN ESCAP, the World Digital Chamber, UN Global Compact, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, City Developments Limited Singapore, Indorama Ventures Thailand, Arthaland Philippines and Newage Group Bangladesh discussed the challenges of graduating to Higher Middle-Income status while continuing support for the private sector.

Topics included empowering MSMEs through green practices, digital transformation, innovative financing and sustainability reporting, as well as building impactful public-private partnerships.

A group of individuals are seated around a long wooden conference table in a well-lit room. Most of them appear to be working on laptops or looking at documents. The people seem to be engaged in a meeting or discussion. The photo caption indicates that these are representatives from the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific).
In photo: Representatives from the DTI and UNESCAP

On the sidelines of the event, Secretary Roque and Undersecretary Gepty met with Under-Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana and Mr. Moehamad Ruhimat of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). They reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to regional and international cooperation, discussing enhanced collaboration on the digital economy, energy transition, and trade facilitation. Updates on the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026 were also shared, as consultations on the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables continue.

A group of individuals, standing behind a table. From left to right, they are Mr. Edward Gacusana, Ms. Ma. Alliah Antig, Ms. Tonilyn Lim, Atty. Allan Gepty, Mr. Jan Redmond Dela Vega, and Mr. Lorenzo Pangilinan.
From L to R: Mr. Edward Gacusana, Executive Director of Country Network, UN Global Compact; Ms. Ma. Alliah Antig, Trade-Industry Development Analyst, DTI; Ms. Tonilyn Lim, Chief of Programme, United Nations Global Compact; Atty. Allan Gepty, Undersecretary of International Trade Group, DTI; Mr. Jan Redmond Dela Vega, Division Chief, DTI; Mr. Lorenzo Pangilinan, Trade-Industry Development Specialist, DTI

A bilateral meeting was also held between DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty and representatives from the United Nations Global Compact, led by Chief of Programme Tonilyn Lim and Executive Director Edward Gacusana. Discussions focused on supporting the Philippines’ MSME integration initiatives, collaboration on capacity building for sustainability and digital transformation, and partnership opportunities during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

The HLC-MIC brought together 200 delegates from the 19 LMG-MIC member states and enabled the adoption of the Manila Declaration on Middle-Income Countries with Proposed Elements for a Strategic Plan of Action for MICs 2025–2030. The Special   Dialogue with the Private Sector emphasized the vital role of MSMEs in economic growth, the urgency of regional cooperation, and the shared responsibility of achieving a greener and more inclusive future for Asia-Pacific.

Date of Release: 05 May 2025

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