KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—President Marcos has encouraged the leaders of Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK), and China to “redouble efforts” in tackling shared regional challenges through deeper cooperation.

Transnational crimes, economic cooperation, migrant workers woes, and natural disaster impacts were among the challenges cited by Marcos that must be addressed through deeper ties of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the three other countries.

"As our common challenges intensify, we must redouble our efforts through ambitious yet concrete, inclusive, and results-oriented initiatives that meet our peoples’ needs and adapt to evolving priorities,” Marcos said in his intervention at the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit on Monday, Oct. 27.

He stressed the need to enhance collaboration in addressing transnational crime by aligning APT work programs with the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP).

The President said such alignment would “provide tools for faster cross-border action, stronger information-sharing, and victim-centered protection” and better serve those most at risk.

On economic cooperation, Marcos welcomed the recent upgrade to the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation, including the establishment of a Rapid Financing Facility, calling it as a timely enhancement to the region’s financial safety nets amid global uncertainties.

He also urged stronger support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through stronger uptake of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) through plain-language guidance and hands-on export support.

Moreover, the Chief Executive expressed support for the Network of East Asian Think-Tanks’ (NEAT) recommendation to advance cooperation in regional supply chain connectivity, promote MSME integration, and explore potential expansion of membership.

“In doing so, we can ensure faster customs clearances, lower costs, more opportunities for first-time exporters, and wider opportunity from city centers to coastal and inland communities,” he said.

Marcos also called for the enhanced cooperation in strengthening the region’s social service workforce through ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare.

“I urge everyone to strengthen inclusive, adaptive, and interoperable social protection systems that safeguard migrant workers and displaced persons, and respond swiftly to crises,” the President said.

Citing the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, Marcos echoed the NEAT’s call to make disaster risk reduction a cornerstone of sustainable development.

“In the same spirit, ASEAN Plus Three shows how dialogue and cooperation can transform even the gravest challenges into possibilities,” the President said.

He expressed hopes that the partnership must continue to drive our collective action into securing enduring peace and lasting prosperity in the years to come.

“Moving forward, this partnership must continue to drive our collective action into securing enduring peace and lasting prosperity in the years to come,” Marcos said.

The 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit was attended by ROK President Lee Jae Myung, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegithe and 10 other heads of state of the ASEAN.