TRADE and Industry Alfredo Pascual said that they had pitched mineral processing, halal, and creative industries to their Indonesian counterparts as to how both the Philippines and Indonesia could further collaborate.

Pascual said that they had met with various Indonesian businessmen that served as part of the delegation of President Joko Widodo.

"I urge Filipino and Indonesian business leaders to seize this opportunity to enhance bilateral trade and investment," Pascual said.

Likewise, Pascual urged both the Filipino and Indonesian businessmen to conduct partnerships in terms of processing nickel and copper.

It is a known fact that both countries are rich in natural resources; halal sector; and creative industries.

"Our nations are both rich in nickel and copper -- vital for green technologies such as electric vehicles. By leveraging these resources and close collaboration, we can facilitate a transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy," he said.

Pascual also noted that the halal sector is an untapped potential for both countries.

"Such measures align with Indonesia's goal to enhance regional connectivity, catalyzing the flow of goods and invigorating the trading routes between the Philippines and Indonesia," Pascual said.

"The Philippines is eager to forge strong ties with Indonesian enterprises, sharing insights and strategies to amplify the benefits of this agreement. We see vibrant opportunities for collaboration in film, gaming, and animation sectors... We invite our Indonesian counterparts to explore these avenues with us as we open our doors to expanded collaborations and operations," he added.