Manila, Sept. 21 -- The Philippines is pushing for deeper cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), New Zealand and Australia, amid global trade shifts.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said that while the global environment already evolved, ASEAN's economic partnership with New Zealand and Australia continued to strengthen.

"Over the decades, our economies have evolved. The global trading environment has changed, and new challenges and opportunities have emerged," Gepty said in his opening remarks at the ASEAN Economic Ministers-Closer Economic Relations (CER) Consultation held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday.

"Yet, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand have continued ...