The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has identified the Philippines’ priorities when it assumes chairmanship of the Asean in 2026.
The DTI lists the following priorities for the region under the Philippines’ leadership: micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); digital talent; creative industries; digital trade and the digital economy; economic security; energy resilience and transition.
In a statement on Thursday, the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque shared the priorities at the dialogue held in conjunction with the inaugural Asean-BAC Retreat last July 7 to 8, 2025 in Makati City.
“These pillars reflect our aspiration for a more inclusive, digitally enabled, and resilient Philippines and Asean. We call on our Asean family to look at the Philippines as a trade and investment destination. We are ready to lead with purpose and partnership,” Roque was quoted as saying in the statement.
Jose Ma. Concepcion III, chair of Asean-BAC Philippines and the incoming Asean-BAC chair for 2026 emphasized the importance of making Asean meaningful to the everyday lives of its citizens, particularly MSMEs and those in the agriculture sector.
“Asean is not for big business alone. We are here so that small businesses – the MSMEs, those led by women, youth, and farmers — can scale up,” Concepcion said. “We envision an Asean where no one is left behind; where digital innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship fuel inclusive growth that uplifts people, empowers communities, and benefits all nations.”
The retreat was led by Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Asean-BAC 2025 chair and head of Asean-BAC Malaysia, and co-chair Concepcion.
“Asean-BAC remains focused on unlocking investment pipelines that accelerate infrastructure, innovation, and inclusive business growth across the region,” said Tan Sri Nazir. ”But to do that, and amid increasing disruption and diverging global priorities, Asean-BAC must transform to become a more agile, forward-looking, and effective voice for the private sector in the region.”
