The Philippines forged five new business agreements during the presidential visit to Cambodia that are seen to generate new jobs and widen market access, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

In a statement, the DTI said the visit of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the Southeast Asian country from Sept. 7 to 8 yielded agreements in the sectors of aviation, logistics, food and beverage, and institutional cooperation.

These agreements, according to the agency, strengthen the Philippines’ economic footprint within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The DTI highlighted the key agreement to build the first international campus of aviation education firm WCC Aeronautical and Technological College (ATC) in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital.

WCC ATC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cambodia’s Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) to establish the WCC AeroTech University.

The campus will offer degree programs in aircraft maintenance technology, avionics, airline operations management, aeronautical engineering, and a certificate program for flight attendants.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said WCC ATC’s expansion into Cambodia reinforces the country’s role as a provider of knowledge-based services and innovation.

“When our schools and professionals bring their knowledge to international markets, they raise the profile of the Philippines as a hub for skills and innovation,” said Roque.

“This means more demand for Filipino educators, engineers, and service providers—not only boosting jobs but also inspiring pride in our people’s capabilities,” she added.

Meanwhile, the DTI reported that logistics provider Airspeed International Corp. signed a service agreement with Cambodia’s Bright Star Logistics.

The agreement will cover the management of international shipments, outsourcing of operations, and cross-trade under a profit-sharing model.

Philippine distilled spirits producer Destileria Limtuaco & Co. also signed a memorandum of agreement with Aus Khmer Import Export Co., Ltd on importation, distribution, and promotion.

The DTI said the deal will enable Destileria Limtuaco to sell its distilled spirits in Cambodia.

To further push institutional ties, the Women Entrepreneurs’ Network – Women Business Council Philippines (WomenBizPH) and the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Network (CamWEN) signed an agreement to co-organize the ASEAN Amazing Weaves Competition.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Business Association in Cambodia (PhilCham) also signed an MOU with the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to establish a framework to promote trade.

Roque said these business agreements reflect the critical role of investments in empowering the workforce.

“When our companies bring their strengths to ASEAN, it means new jobs for Filipino workers, demand for our educators and entrepreneurs, and greater pride in what we can offer the world,” she said.