MANILA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has urged Mexico-based technology and manufacturing companies to look into the possibility of making the Philippines the center of their operations and entry point to the lucrative market of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN).

Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said on Monday in a statement that Mexico, which is now emerging as an exporter of high-technology goods, can take advantage of the Philippines' young, talented workforce and reasonable labor costs.

He extended his invitation to Mexican technology entrepreneurs through Mexican Ambassador Gerardo Lozano Arredondo during their recent meeting to discuss ways of expanding economic relations between the Philippines and Mexico.

The Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam comprise the strong ASEAN market with a population of 630 million.