News on November 12, 2024, showed that a DHL white paper pointed out that the demand for cross – border road freight in Southeast Asia has been on a continuous upward trend, especially in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Thanks to its flexibility and fast – transportation advantages, multimodal transportation has gradually made road freight a crucial complement to cross – border trade.

The newly established multimodal transportation centers in Thailand have played a significant role. On the one hand, they have accelerated the circulation of goods, and on the other hand, they have facilitated the supply chain layout of multinational enterprises in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, ASEAN member states have carried out active cooperation to optimize customs and clearance procedures. This series of measures is of great significance. It can further reduce logistics costs and improve transportation efficiency, creating favorable conditions for the smooth flow of regional trade and strongly promoting the development of cross – border trade and the logistics industry in Southeast Asia.

The Acting Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Alfredo E. Pascual, held talks with several companies in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, to promote Philippine exports and discuss investment possibilities. On November 9, Pascual held talks with Sirius International Holdings about investing in the Philippine digital economy. This is part of the DTI’s efforts to achieve the “New Philippines,” emphasizing a forward – looking, inclusive, and sustainable development approach.

The company is a subsidiary of IHC, managing investments in multiple industrial technology fields. Also on November 9, Pascual held talks with Spinneys’ executives about cooperation and strengthening the retail industry in the UAE, with a focus on selling more products from Philippine small and medium – sized enterprises in its supermarkets.

In addition, Pascual held talks with representatives of Lulu International Group. The group has 258 stores in the UAE and has established a logistics and export center in Laguna. Its representatives said they plan to increase purchases of products from small and medium – sized enterprises. The two sides agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding or an agreement to implement the partnership.