<p>MANILA, March 13 (Reuters) - Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said on Friday the conflict in the Middle East underscores how deeply interconnected the global economy has become, with geopolitical tensions triggering immediate economic shocks.</p>
<p>Opening an ASEAN economic ministers’ meeting, she stressed that the goal is to strengthen regional resilience and deepen integration so the Southeast Asian bloc can navigate global shifts with coordination and foresight, rather than merely reacting to them.</p>

ASEA

- Philippine Trade Secretary Christina Lacuna highlighted that conflicts in the Middle East reveal the deep interconnectedness of the global economy, with geopolitical tensions causing immediate economic impacts.  
- During the ASEAN Economic Ministers' meeting, she emphasized the goal of enhancing regional resilience and deepening integration.  
- This approach aims for the Southeast Asian bloc to respond proactively to global changes rather than merely reacting passively.

ASEAN must strengthen resilience against shocks from Middle East crisis, Philippine trade secretary says