PH eyes stronger ASEAN trade, investment, digital links

Philstar.com

September 16, 2026 | 10:54am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is looking to deepen trade and investment ties with its ASEAN neighbors as it pushes regional cooperation to support supply chains, emerging industries and digital businesses.

The focus comes as the country reaches the midpoint of its 2026 ASEAN chairship, with business and government leaders discussing ways to turn regional cooperation into concrete opportunities for companies and investors.

The discussions were held during the second ASEAN Business Media Exchange (ABMX) 2026 on September 7 at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati.

The event, organized by the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Office, brought together government officials, investors, private-sector representatives and media.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque highlighted emerging sectors that could drive trade and investment, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, information technology, advanced manufacturing and talent development.

Roque discussed the country’s trade and investment priorities during a fireside chat with broadcast journalist Karen Davila titled “DTI’s Priorities for the PH Strategic Agenda and Future of ASEAN.”

The discussion also tackled how deeper ASEAN economic ties could help attract investments and strengthen the region’s position as a production and investment hub.

Digitalization was another key focus of the exchange, particularly its potential to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain access to regional markets.

The panel, “Empowering ASEAN’s MSMEs: Building the Digital Foundations to Unlock the Opportunities of DEFA,” examined the role of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in expanding cross-border digital trade.

Patrick Signo of the Data Center Association of the Philippines, Rowie Zamora of Mynt, which operates GCash, and Wilson Siahaan of Ant International discussed the infrastructure, technology and skills needed to help MSMEs adopt digital tools and compete across the region.

The morning program also featured “From Priorities to Progress: Advancing the Three ASEAN Community Pillars,” with Roque, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim discussing the Philippines’ priorities under the ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community and ASEAN Political-Security Community.

The ABMX aimed to highlight ASEAN Centrality as a platform for coordinated action, with a focus on translating regional priorities into trade, investment and digital opportunities.

The event concluded with an Exporter’s Spotlight, followed by performances by Reuben Laurente and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.