The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in Beijing and Shanghai, in collaboration with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), represented the Philippines at the China-ASEAN New Energy Vehicle Industry Cooperation Conference held in Hefei, Anhui Province and at the China Auto Chongqing Summit (CACS) 2025 in Chongqing from 3 to 7 June 2025. The participation aimed to pursue industrial cooperation and attract investments to support the continued growth and development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the Philippines.
The Philippine Delegation engaged with key Chinese and ASEAN EV industry associations and leading companies to explore opportunities for developing the country’s EV ecosystem, encompassing manufacturing, technology transfer, distribution, and services. The delegation also sought cooperation in skills development and industrial capacity building to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry. Highlighting the Philippines’ vast local market potential and its strategic position as a platform for exports to third markets, the delegation underscored the country’s investor-friendly policies and enhanced incentive packages under EVIDA and CREATE MORE, aimed at boosting EV and parts manufacturing in the Philippines.
Mr. Edmund Araga delivered his remarks on behalf of the ASEAN Federation Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA) and the EVAP during the RCEP China-ASEAN New Energy Vehicle Industry Cooperation Conference, highlighting the opportunities in ASEAN and emphasizing China’s contribution in the development and deployment of new energy technologies in the region, particularly in electric vehicles. He emphasized that by leveraging China’s extensive expertise, technological innovation, and industrial capacity alongside ASEAN’s vibrant and rapidly expanding market—with its rising demand for sustainable mobility solutions—there is a significant opportunity to foster regional development and cooperation.
A Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed between EVAP and the Association of Hefei New Energy Automotives for the development and promotion of New Energy Vehicles.
Prior to the RCEP Conference in Hefei, VC (Commercial) Dinsay met with Ms. Shi Qin, Chairman of the Anhui Automotive Industry Association (AATA). The meeting highlighted potential collaboration between PTIC-Shanghai and AATA, particularly in facilitating business delegations and overseas investment.
The Philippine delegation engaged in high-level dialogues at CACS 2025, alongside global governments, leading corporations, industry experts, scholars, and institutions, exploring the latest innovations, trends, and market developments in the global automotive industry. The summit was co-hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade – Automotive Committee and the Organizing Committee of the Chongqing International Auto Exhibition, with strong support from the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government.
As part of its visit to Chongqing, the Philippine delegation, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General, also took part in a dedicated Dialogue and Networking Session with 18 Chinese companies keen on exploring business opportunities in the Philippines. The discussions highlighted strong investment interest, particularly in the manufacturing of electric commercial vehicles in line with the Philippines’ Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), underscoring the country’s push for sustainable and inclusive mobility.
During the dialogue, Chinese partners and companies were invited to participate in the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS 2025), which will be held in Manila from 22 to 24 October 2025. A business delegation from Chongqing was also proposed to visit the Philippines in conjunction with the event.
EVAP President Edmund Araga took the opportunity to promote the advocacies of the ASEAN Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA), emphasizing the importance of accelerating EV adoption and ecosystem development across the region.
DTI and EVAP have established strategic cooperation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade – Automotive Committee, the RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee, and the China Industrial Association of Power Sources – Power Battery Branch (CIAPS-PBA). Through these partnerships, the delegation has developed important linkages with key stakeholders and leading automobile and electric vehicle companies in China.
Hefei and Chongqing are among the top regional hubs for the automotive industry in Central and Western China. Aligned with the country’s commitment to green mobility, the Philippine EV industry is evolving rapidly, marked by increasing adoption and demand for electric vehicles as well as growing investments in charging stations and related ecosystems. In 2024, total EV sales reached 46,521 units, comprising 4,908 four-wheel vehicles and 43,613 two- to three-wheel vehicles.
Through strategic international engagement and public-private collaboration, DTI continues to champion the growth of the Philippine electric vehicle industry—attracting investments and positioning the country as a key player in the regional shift toward sustainable and inclusive mobility. ♦
Date of Release: 20 June 2025