THE common areas of interest identified by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) were mining; agriculture, specifically on livestock management; trade; and the digital economy.

ICCI and PCCI discussed how their countries could leverage mineral resources with the development of technologies, requiring nickel, cobalt and other minerals that both countries had in abundance.

The chambers also discussed strengthening the halal ecosystem and developing the livestock industry for food security

They also talked about using the Davao-Bitung Ro-Ro route to expand trade as well as actualizing the 2022 memorandum of understanding on the creative economy, which should consider digital security.

They agreed to create a working group to tackle these, considering Indonesia was one of the Philippines' top trading partners.

In 2022, trade between the two countries totaled $14.39 billion, 57-percent higher than the previous year.

ICCPI officials were joined by Indonesia President Joko Widodo and State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir.

PCCI officials were joined by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Undersecretary Allan Gepty.

PCCI President Enunina Mangio, Chairman George Barcelon, Vice President (VP) for International Affairs Jude Aguilar, VP for Industrial Affairs Michael Tan, VP for Regional Affairs Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco, senior advisor and Treasurer Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr., senior advisor Alberto Fenix Jr., Director of Information and Communications Technology Dennis Uy, Vice Chairman of Transportation and Logistics Henry Basilio, Vice Chairman of the Youth Committee Sergio Antonio Ortiz Luis, and acting Secretary General and Chief of Staff Edwin Glindro discussed bilateral economic ties with the Indonesians.