BIMP-EAGA Reduces Development Gap, Says Marcos: Eco-Tourism and Green Technology Make Significant Strides

Philippine President Marcos pointed out that the joint initiative of the East ASEAN Growth Area - Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines (BIMP-EAGA) plays a crucial role in narrowing the development gap in the subregion.

He said these efforts have been particularly effective in connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, as well as food and energy security.

He also stated that since the launch of BIMP-EAGA in 1994, there have been significant advancements in areas such as eco-tourism and green development.

“Today, we gather not only to celebrate these milestones but to reaffirm our shared vision of building a more integrated, prosperous, and resilient BIMP-EAGA.”

“The road ahead requires greater collaborative cooperation, innovation, and political will. I am confident that through our cooperation, we will continue to turn these visions into lasting outcomes that truly benefit our peoples.”

He said this during the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit he chaired today (27th), with attendees including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, and President Prabowo of Indonesia.

Marcos mentioned that this year's 46th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur is particularly significant as it marks notable progress towards the ASEAN 2025 Vision achieved over the past eight years.

He said that since 2017, cooperation among BIMP-EAGA member states has deepened, bringing substantial results to the regional community.
BIMP-EAGA initiatives have promoted trade, investment, and tourism growth through newly established intra-regional shipping routes, air connectivity, and power interconnection projects. Other major areas of cooperation include agro-industry, tourism, environment, and socio-cultural education.

In 2022, BIMP-EAGA's economic growth rate reached 7.7%, with a GDP of $392.1 billion at current prices, accounting for 18.9% of the combined GDP of the four countries.

As of October 2023, BIMP-EAGA's priority infrastructure projects have tripled from 57 in 2017 when the 2025 Vision was passed, to 129, with a total value of $38.87 billion.