Photo Release

The PHL Consulate General, represented by Consul Melvin Almonguera, participated in a panel discussion on regional developments during the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Global Trade Outlook held on 27 February 2026 at Instituto Cervantes in Chicago. He was joined in the panel by Director Mario Quina of the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency in Chicago, Consul Gabriel Mendoza of the Mexican Consulate General, and Mr. Jean-François Hould of the Québec Government Office in Chicago.

During the discussion, the panelists highlighted emerging regional trade trends, investment opportunities, and cross-border collaboration initiatives with Illinois. Consul Almonguera talked about Southeast Asia as a “major growth engine,” fueled by a relatively young population and a strategic location that supports the development of manufacturing hubs. He also touched on ASEAN’s economic priorities for the year under the PHL’s Chairship, and promoted the US Business Mission to the PHL scheduled for July 2026.

The Global Trade Outlook is an annual event, hosted by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, designed to help businesses in Illinois understand the major trends in global commerce. This year’s keynote speaker was Mr. Phil Levy, World Bank’s Lead Economist. END