Philippines to spotlight renewable energy, minerals, semicon during Asean hosting

January 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —   The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will promote renewable energy, minerals and semiconductors as part of priority investment sectors during the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings this year.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship and hosting in 2026 provide an opportunity to showcase investment opportunities in the country.

She said the DTI would actively promote “all the sectors that are strong.”

In particular, Roque said the agency would focus on highlighting the country’s key sectors, such as  renewable energy, minerals, semiconductors and the creative economy.

In addition, the DTI will  promote  women-led businesses, as well as opportunities in digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

Roque said trade ministers are expected to attend the ASEAN meeting scheduled to take place from March 11 to 13 at the Shangri-La The Fort.

She said the trade ministers are expected to be accompanied by businesses looking to explore opportunities in the country.

“Our strategy is to really do a major business matching,” she said.

She said the government is optimistic about trade and investments this year, given the upcoming ASEAN hosting.

“With ASEAN, of course, we’re very positive (on trade and investments) because now they will really see. Sometimes we meet them in their country, or they send their deputies or representatives. Not like now, they’ll really see how everything is, the landscape, the setup, how everything goes,” she said.

Earlier, Management Association of the Philippines president Alfredo Panlilio said  the ASEAN chairmanship is an opportunity for the country to address governance and reputational issues.

Corruption issues in the government’s flood control projects have weighed on investor sentiment.

Earlier, ASEAN-Business Advisory Council Philippines chairman Joey Concepcion  said the Philippines’ ASEAN hosting is an opportunity for the country to rebuild its image and show that it does not tolerate corruption.

“If you’re branded as a corrupt country, who’s going to come here and invest? Nobody’s going to come here and invest...We want to make sure that doesn’t stick,” he said.

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