Manila, Oct. 27 -- The upgrade of a China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) trade deal, set to be signed on Oct. 28, is seen to open up new economic opportunities for the Philippines.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will witness the landmark signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings here.

In a statement issued through Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro on Sunday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the deal would help bring the region's economic ties with China modern and aligned with global realities.

"The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area has long been one of ASEAN's most important economic partnerships...