06 July 2017 – Officials and staff of the Philippine Embassy led by Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza participated in the Delhi Dialogue IX with the theme, "ASEAN-India Relations: Charting the Course for the Next 25 Years," held at Taj Palace, New Delhi on 04 to 05 July 2017. The two-day Delhi Dialogue IX had the Ministerial Session on 04 July 2017 and Parallel Academic and Business Sessions on 05 July 2017. Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the Delhi Dialogue IX Ministerial Session with her keynote address where the Minister highlighted India’s policy focusing on three ‘C’s (commerce, connectivity and culture) to further strengthen the relationship between India and ASEAN countries.

The Ministerial Session also witnessed the electronic launch of the India-ASEAN Women Business Forum (IAWBF) in the presence of respective ASEAN and India co-chairs: Ms. Pacita Juan, Chair of ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) and Ms. Vinita Bhimbhet, Immediate Past President, FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO). The IAWBF aims to establish a network of women entrepreneurs and professionals, facilitating regular engagement and contribution of women leaders in enhancing trade and investment.

On 05 July 2017, parallel sessions on Business and Academic were held, where Filipinos participated as speakers or panel discussants. Ms. Pacita Juan, Chair, ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (Philippines) was one of the panelists in the topic, “International Economic Trends and their Impact on India and ASEAN.” Mr. George Barcelon, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce Industry spoke on India-ASEAN Trade Relations. Mr. Johnny Chotrani, Chairman, Philippines-India Business Council and Mr. George Barcelon spoke on ASEAN Partnership: Building Regional Network to promote SMEs and Women’s Empowerment. For the academic session, Dr. Joefe B. Santarita, Dean of the Asian Center, University of the Philippines spoke in Panel Discussion IV: Socio-Cultural Engagement and Diaspora Links.

The Delhi Dialogue is a premier annual track 1.5 event which discusses politico-security, economic and socio-cultural engagement between ASEAN and India. It has been held annually since 2009. Political leaders, policy makers, senior officials, diplomats, business leaders, think tanks and academicians from ASEAN and India participated in the Delhi Dialogue IX. The 10-member Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to ASEAN also attended the Delhi Dialogue as part of their program in India.