According to a news release from the embassy, this underscores Stockholm’s deepening commitment to sustainable growth, trade, and inclusive development in Southeast Asia.

Zurek, who joins the embassy from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), will oversee Sweden’s regional development portfolio covering the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Her appointment signals Sweden’s intent to expand its footprint in the Philippines, where ties have steadily widened in recent years across sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, digitalization, and healthcare.

In her first week, Zurek met with key Philippine and international partners, including representatives from government agencies, multilateral institutions, and the private sector. Discussions ranged from green infrastructure and clean energy to climate resilience and sustainable development, setting the tone for closer collaboration.

“What struck me most was the openness and energy of our Philippine counterparts. There is a strong willingness to work together and turn ambitious sustainability goals into practical solutions that benefit people,” said Karolina Zurek, First Secretary/Trade and Development, Embassy of Sweden in Manila.

“My immediate priority is to strengthen links between development cooperation and trade so that our partnerships create long-term value, green jobs, and inclusive growth,” she added.

Sweden’s ambassador to the Philippines, Anna Ferry, said Zurek’s arrival reflects the importance Stockholm places on its relationship with Manila.

“We’re thrilled to have Karolina on board. In the Swedish foreign service, we are used to working in small teams and achieving big impact through close and effective collaboration,” the ambassador said.

“Adding Karolina makes a big difference, and it shows how much Sweden values its cooperation with the Philippines. With our growing presence in Manila, we are fully committed and ready to deliver,” she added.

The Philippines and Sweden have maintained diplomatic relations since 1947, with cooperation steadily expanding beyond traditional trade to include development partnerships, education, and cultural exchanges.

While bilateral trade remains modest, it is steadily growing. In 2023, Swedish exports to the Philippines reached about $200 million, led by wood products, paper, and pharmaceuticals, while Philippine exports to Sweden totaled around $114 million, including electronics and tobacco products. Philippine exports have also posted faster growth in recent years.

Beyond trade, investment ties are gaining traction. Swedish firms have been increasingly active in Philippine sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and healthcare, contributing to job creation and technology transfer. Both countries have also signaled interest in expanding cooperation through export financing and development programs supporting large-scale projects.

Labor mobility is another emerging pillar, with Filipino healthcare workers playing a role in Sweden’s care sector, although formal bilateral arrangements are still under discussion.

Despite geographic distance, both sides also see untapped potential in tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The Chamber stressed that the MAV mechanism remains a vital trade policy tool that supports market stability by allowing regulated imports of pork and other agricultural commodities at lower tariff rates. It also welcomed ongoing discussions by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and stakeholders on expanding MAV coverage for pork and corn.

BCCP underscored that the MAV, traditionally issued in January, is critical in ensuring predictable supply flows and easing inflationary pressure on food items.

The Chamber further noted the strong performance of UK–Philippine agricultural trade, with the UK pork sector recording sustained growth over the past five years. This has been supported by BCCP’s collaboration with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), which has facilitated eight trade missions since 2021 to deepen bilateral agricultural and food trade ties.

BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson said UK–Philippine economic relations continue to demonstrate resilience despite global headwinds, highlighting agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy as priority sectors for expansion. Total bilateral trade reached £3.2 billion in the four quarters to Q3 2025, reflecting an 8.9% increase.

He added that the Philippines remains a key Asian market for UK pork exports, ranking second in the region after China. Pork shipments to the Philippines rose by 20% to 1,135 tonnes in January 2026.

(Recent engagements included BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson, Catherine Nelson, PNB Europe Regional Director Christy Vicentina, Madame Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, and Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.)

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has indicated that the government is studying the “MAV Plus” framework, which would allow higher import volumes of pork and corn at reduced tariff rates to support supply stability and manage inflation.

The BCCP welcomed the proposal, expressing support for continued consultations among stakeholders while emphasizing the importance of clear, transparent, and straightforward implementation guidelines to ensure efficiency in execution.

The Chamber reiterated its longstanding advocacy for the timely issuance of MAV allocations at the start of each year. It has engaged with key members of the MAV Management Committee, including officials from the Department of Finance Revenue Operations Group, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agrarian Reform, and other relevant agencies.

Nelson said the Chamber continues to push for concrete policy actions that directly support supply chains and market stability.

“What we look for is action from government and the passage of enabling measures. One key proposal we have consistently supported—and which was also noted by Secretary Laurel—is the expansion of Minimum Access Volumes, which will help strengthen food supply. We have been discussing this particularly for pork. These are the kinds of measures we want to see implemented. The broader context is also important, including the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the outlook for inflation, which has recently reached 4.1%,” Nelson said.

He added that the Chamber continues to strengthen engagement with both UK and Philippine stakeholders to support long-term, sustainable trade partnerships.

Nelson also emphasized the UK’s role as a strategic partner of the Philippines and the wider Southeast Asian region, noting opportunities for cooperation as the Philippines assumes its role as ASEAN Chair. Priority areas include food security, digital transformation, renewable energy, and trade facilitation.

In a statement issued April 17, 2026, the DFA said it has made “strong representations” on the matter, particularly for Filipinos entering Oman under visa-free arrangements.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs has made strong representations with the Oman Embassy in Manila for the removal of the negative HIV medical certificate requirement for all Filipino travellers to Oman,” the DFA said.

The Omani Embassy, according to the DFA, clarified that the requirement applies only to tourists availing of visa-free entry, and not to Filipinos holding work visas.

“The HIV certificate applies only to tourists availing of the visa-free entry to Oman, and not to those who were issued work visas,” the embassy said, as relayed by the DFA.

The requirement is now under review by Omani authorities, with a meeting scheduled to discuss the policy.

“The Embassy added that this requirement is currently being seriously reviewed by the Omani government, and that a meeting next week is set to discuss the matter,” the DFA noted.

Despite the issue, the Philippine government expressed optimism that the matter will be resolved soon.

“The DFA expects a positive outcome given the good and strong relationship between the Philippines and Oman,” it added.

Strong bilateral ties

The Philippines and Oman have maintained diplomatic relations since 1980, with cooperation spanning labor, energy, and trade. The relationship has also expanded into emerging areas such as tourism, food security, fisheries, and critical minerals, following recent high-level meetings between officials from both countries.

Oman has long been a key destination for Filipino workers in the Middle East, with around 45,000 to over 50,000 Filipinos currently living and working in the Gulf state, based on recent Philippine government and diplomatic estimates.

Filipinos in Oman are employed across a wide range of sectors — from domestic work and hospitality to healthcare, engineering, education, and skilled technical jobs — making labor mobility a central pillar of bilateral ties.

The issue of travel requirements comes amid ongoing efforts by both governments to strengthen cooperation and ensure the welfare and mobility of Filipinos, particularly as Oman continues to play a role in regional stability and the safety of overseas workers in times of crisis.

The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) said exporters are heavily dependent on transport and logistics networks to move goods from factories to ports and ultimately to global markets, making fuel costs a direct factor in export competitiveness.

PHILEXPORT President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. said elevated fuel prices are cascading across the entire value chain, increasing logistics expenses, squeezing margins, and weakening the ability of Philippine exporters—especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—to compete internationally.

“Fuel is a fundamental input not only in production but in the movement of goods. Every increase in transport and logistics cost directly affects exporters’ competitiveness. Reducing the tax burden on fuel will help stabilize operational costs and ease pressure across supply chains,” Ortiz-Luis said.

He reiterated the group’s support for the proposed suspension of VAT on fuel products, particularly backing the legislative initiative of Senator Loren Legarda, which seeks to provide temporary relief amid persistent inflationary pressures.

Ortiz-Luis described the measure as a timely intervention that would help ease transportation bottlenecks, stabilize prices of goods, and support both business continuity and consumer welfare.

Recent government and economic data indicate that suspending fuel taxes, including VAT, could deliver immediate relief across sectors:
• Fuel price reductions of up to ₱6 per liter for diesel and ₱10 per liter for gasoline, easing transport and logistics costs.
• Household impact: Previous suspensions led to cuts of about ₱5.60 per liter for kerosene and ₱3.36 per kilogram for LPG, or roughly ₱37 savings per household tank.
• Inflation management: Economic projections suggest inflation could be contained at 3.6% to 4.2% with the measure, compared to potential spikes of up to 7.5% without intervention.

Ortiz-Luis warned that sustained high fuel prices ripple through the economy, as transport costs are passed on to food, medicine, and other essential goods, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income households.

While acknowledging fiscal concerns, including estimated revenue losses of around ₱136 billion from excise tax and VAT adjustments, he stressed that improved economic activity, preserved jobs, and stronger consumption could help offset long-term impacts.

“Targeted and time-bound relief measures such as suspending VAT on fuel are critical to sustaining economic momentum, supporting exporters who rely heavily on transport systems, and shielding consumers from further price shocks,” Ortiz-Luis added.

He urged policymakers to act swiftly on the proposal and adopt balanced measures that safeguard both fiscal stability and economic resilience while keeping goods moving efficiently across the supply chain.

Francis Norman Lopez, president and chief executive officer of InterCommerce Network Services, Inc., said the European Union’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) will now begin its mandatory rollout for these product categories in 2027, instead of the earlier 2026 schedule.

“For 2028, there will be expansion to construction, furniture products and packaging materials. And then by 2030, we will see deep integration across all industries including automotive, machinery, medical devices, and others,” Lopez said during the 2nd Quarter General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc.

Lopez described the DPP as a standardized digital identity for products that enables sustainability tracking, traceability, and transparency across the entire product lifecycle.

He said the system will include product-group specific data defined through delegated acts, covering materials and composition, carbon footprint and environmental impact, recyclability and end-of-life options, repairability, and product longevity. It will also require data retention and backup for up to 10 years.

The requirement will apply to nearly all physical goods sold in the EU, except food, pet food, and medical products, which fall under separate but similar regulations.

“Data must be accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to authorities, businesses, and consumers. Each product must carry a unique identifier such as a QR code or NFC tag,” Lopez said.

He explained that the DPP framework is built on two core components—the registry and the web portal—which together ensure standardized, trusted, and widely accessible product data that supports regulatory enforcement and market adoption.

Under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and related delegated acts, manufacturers and exporters will be required to create and maintain DPPs, ensure data accuracy and completeness, and update information throughout the product lifecycle.

Importers and distributors, meanwhile, must verify the existence of a DPP before placing products on the EU market. Regulatory authorities will have the power to inspect and audit data and may deny market access for non-compliance.

“EU authorities will only accept DPPs accessible via officially recognized registry systems,” he added.

Lopez said early compliance offers significant advantages for exporters, including lower costs through shared infrastructure, improved regulatory readiness, and better alignment with evolving sustainability rules.

“This provides a future-ready platform that adapts to EU requirements and gives exporters greater regulatory confidence that their DPPs will be accepted,” he said.

However, he warned that non-compliance could result in market exclusion, reputational damage, and lost trade revenues for exporters and manufacturers.

Lopez said InterCommerce Network Services, Tradelink, and the Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA) will serve as key support partners, acting as a bridge for exporters transitioning toward EU Digital Product Passport compliance.

The Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 05-2026, signed on April 6 by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, amends provisions of CMO No. 19-2019 to include APECO among government agencies authorized to accredit importers and exporters for CPRS activation.

The same order also formally lists APECO as a recognized free zone authority, aligning it with other major economic zone regulators in the country.

“This development is expected to unlock pending investments and fast-track decision-making among our prospective locators. Some investors have been waiting for this formal recognition before proceeding with their projects, particularly those with import-export requirements,” said APECO President and CEO Gil G. Taway IV.

The CPRS is a mandatory registration system for importers and exporters transacting with the BOC.

Previously, locators had to coordinate with multiple agencies to complete their accreditation, often delaying operational timelines. With the new policy, APECO can now facilitate CPRS accreditation directly, enabling faster activation and smoother customs transactions.

Taway also thanked the BOC and the Department of Finance, led by Secretary Frederick D. Go, for supporting the issuance, noting that it strengthens inter-agency coordination and investment promotion.

The development is expected to reinforce APECO’s push to position itself as the country’s “Gateway to the Pacific,” serving as a strategic hub for trade, logistics, and emerging industries in the Asia-Pacific region.

In a statement issued April 13, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations warned that disruptions in one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints could ripple across global markets and destabilize economies, particularly in Asia.

“We call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz… as well as for all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships,” the ministers said.

The 11-nation grouping also pushed for strict compliance with the ceasefire agreed on April 8 between the United States and Iran, stressing the need to prevent further escalation.

“We call for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire… minimizing disruption to the flow of energy and essential goods, and mitigating its adverse impact on global economic stability,” the statement read.

ASEAN urged all parties to return to negotiations despite the breakdown in talks as of Sunday, warning that continued hostilities threaten both regional and global stability.

“We urge the United States… and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region,” it said.

The bloc also called on all sides to “exercise utmost restraint, cease all hostilities, [and] avoid any acts that may aggravate the situation.”

ASEAN is a regional bloc working together on economic, political, and security issues. With a combined population of over 670 million and a roughly $3.6 trillion economy, it is among the world’s largest economic groupings.

The region is highly sensitive to disruptions in global energy supply chains. The Strait of Hormuz—located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman—is a critical chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG passes.

A large share of that energy is bound for Asia. Estimates suggest nearly 90% of oil shipments through Hormuz head to Asian markets, with Southeast Asian economies heavily reliant on Middle Eastern crude and gas imports.

Any disruption to this route can quickly translate into higher fuel costs, rising food prices, and broader inflation pressures, particularly for energy-importing countries.

The ASEAN statement comes amid a rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East following a two-week ceasefire agreement announced on April 8 involving the United States and Iran, with mediation by Pakistan and indirect involvement of Israel.

While the deal included commitments to pause major attacks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe energy shipments, the truce has proven fragile.

News reports indicate that violations have already occurred on multiple fronts; fighting continues in areas such as Lebanon, where the ceasefire terms remain unclear; and peace negotiations have stalled as of Sunday, raising the risk of renewed escalation.

Analysts describe the situation as a “dangerous pause,” a temporary de-escalation rather than a durable peace.

Against this backdrop, ASEAN underscored the need for diplomacy and adherence to international law.

“We underscore the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity… and promoting earnest dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of addressing conflicts,” the ministers said.

The bloc also reiterated that all states must “resolve their differences through peaceful means,” protect civilians, and respect sovereignty — principles it warned are critical to preventing a wider global crisis.

This was the key message delivered to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, where agroecology was presented not just as an environmental option, but as a concrete economic solution to rising fuel and fertilizer costs.

Ramon S. Uy, Southeast Asia councilor of Slow Food International, told senators that farmers using organic methods are far less exposed to oil price volatility, which directly affects chemical fertilizer production and transport.

“When global oil prices surged in 2006, the cost of a 50-kilogram bag of chemical fertilizer increased from 500 pesos to 2,500 pesos. However, organic farmers were not affected. By producing our own fertilizer from biodegradable waste, we became independent of imported materials. As fertilizer prices rise sharply once again, this lesson becomes even more urgent. Today, the price of chemical fertilizers is 2,600–2,800 pesos per bag; last week, it was 1,900 pesos,” Uy said.

The Senate inquiry, conducted under Senator Kiko Pangilinan’s Proposed Senate Resolution No. 346, is examining how rising energy costs — now aggravated by geopolitical tensions — are impacting farmers and fisherfolk, and whether government support is enough.

Uy cited decades of on-the-ground experience showing how agroecology can cushion farmers from global shocks. Beginning in 2005, his group developed large-scale organic fertilizer production using vermicomposting and bokashi methods — converting biodegradable waste into farm inputs.

The system has since reached a capacity of 200 tons of organic fertilizer monthly, offering a stable and affordable alternative to imported chemical fertilizers.

Through technology-sharing initiatives, these methods have been adopted by more than 10,000 communities nationwide, helping strengthen local food systems while addressing waste management challenges.

With fertilizer prices recently rising by about 35% amid energy market volatility, Uy warned that the country’s reliance on imported agricultural inputs leaves farmers highly vulnerable to global crises such as the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Organic farming, he stressed, provides both sustainability and competitiveness. In Negros, around 20,000 hectares have shifted to organic agriculture, with rice yields reaching up to six tons per hectare — surpassing national averages for conventional farming.

“By turning organic waste into fertilizer, we addressed multiple challenges at once: waste management, high production costs, and farmer vulnerability. Money that would have gone to imported chemicals instead circulated within local communities, supporting livelihoods and healthier food,” Uy added.

Uy urged policymakers to move beyond stopgap subsidies and invest in long-term solutions anchored in agroecology and farmer-led innovation.

“It is time to prepare the country for a future that does not rely on chemicals in agriculture. Agroecology is not a marginal alternative — it is an essential path to food security, farmer dignity, and resilience in the face of global crises,” Uy said.

At the close of the hearing, senators backed the idea of converting waste into organic fertilizer to reduce imports and build domestic capacity.

The proposal aligns with the broader advocacy of Slow Food, which promotes food systems that are “good, clean, and fair” — a model now gaining urgency as war-driven energy shocks ripple through global food supply chains.

Under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 4-2026, AEOs with Level 1 benefits are no longer required to use electronic customs seals (ECS) for shipments to and from free zones. The policy is designed to make AEO accreditation more attractive to compliant and trusted traders.

The E-TRACC system uses GPS-enabled electronic seals to monitor the real-time inland movement of containerized cargo, helping prevent diversion and tampering. While the system remains in place, the exemption reflects the BOC’s trust in AEO-certified firms with strong compliance records.

CMO 4-2026 amends Section 17 of CMO 9-2020, introducing a new provision that removes the ECS requirement for shipments handled by AEOs that are also registered as Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) with Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) or other government bodies promoting investments.

The exemption applies to both air and sea cargo.

A corresponding amendment to Section 4.3 of CMO 4-2020, which established the E-TRACC system, reinforces that ECS is no longer required for eligible AEO shipments involving free zones.

Despite the exemption, the BOC clarified that the posting of a General Transportation Surety Bond through the Automated Bonds Management System remains mandatory for transit of containerized goods.

ECS requirements will continue to apply to other cargo movements, including transfers to container yards and freight stations, transit to inland customs facilities and bonded warehouses, exports from free zones to ports, and shipments subject to further verification.

The AEO Program grants accredited traders streamlined procedures, faster clearance, and reduced logistics costs, while enabling mutual recognition with other customs administrations.

To encourage wider participation, the BOC earlier released its “AEO Operational Guidelines,” outlining accreditation processes, categories, and benefits.

AEO accreditation is structured into three levels. Level 1 operators enjoy privileges such as exemption from accreditation renewal, self-assessment, supplementary goods declarations, and access to a dedicated help desk. Level 2 members benefit from dedicated lanes, advance clearance, and expedited export processing, while Level 3 members receive additional incentives as determined by the Customs Commissioner.

CMO 4-2026 takes effect 15 days after its issuance on April 7, 2026.

In a news release, the DOF said the performance marks one of the Bureau’s strongest quarters on record, underscoring sustained gains from reforms and tighter enforcement.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go commended the agency, citing improved governance and accountability as key drivers of the result.

“The Bureau of Customs’ highest-ever first-quarter collection demonstrates that our commitment to reforms, transparency, and accountability is delivering real results. These gains will directly support the government’s priority programs and benefit the Filipino people,” Secretary Go said.

The BOC attributed the outcome to coordinated efforts across its ports and subports nationwide, which ensured the efficient and lawful collection of duties and taxes.

A major boost came from the agency’s intensified campaign against illegal trade. Revenues were reinforced by the public auction of forfeited goods, including smuggled high-end vehicles, effectively converting illicit assets into public funds.

Post-clearance audit operations were also strengthened, improving compliance and ensuring accurate payment of duties and taxes.

The Bureau noted that the first-quarter performance is second only to the record collections posted from July to September 2025 under the current leadership.

The BOC said the results align with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the fiscal strategy of the Department of Finance to strengthen revenue generation while maintaining transparency and accountability.

“Every peso we collect helps fund essential services, advance national development, and build a better future for every Filipino,” Secretary Frederick Go added.