DTI outlines priorities for 2026 ASEAN chairship

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday presented a set of economic priorities the Philippines will champion during its 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.

Trade Undersecretary for Foreign Relations Allan Gepty said the five major agenda items include strengthening trade and investment linkages, accelerating digital transformation, integrating ASEAN’s micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development agenda, leveraging the creative economy and innovation, and advancing sustainable and inclusive economies.

According to Gepty, 2026 is a year of opportunity for the Philippines as it assumes the ASEAN Chairship.

“It is a chance to demonstrate what we can achieve together to inspire confidence across the region and beyond, and to show that ASEAN can thrive in a challenging and rapidly changing world,” he said during the Public-Private Sector Dialogue on the Philippines 2026 Priority Economic Deliverables in Makati City.

He added that the country must navigate rapid technological changes, shifting geopolitical dynamics, new economic realities, climate pressures, and evolving supply chain challenges while building resilient communities.

The DTI official emphasized the importance of using ASEAN as a platform for collective stability, shared solutions, and long-term opportunity.

“One might ask, what does ASEAN have to do with these challenges, and how can regional cooperation help us navigate both domestic and regional concerns? The answer is simple. ASEAN is one of our strongest platforms for stability, shared solutions, and long-term opportunity,” Gepty said.

He stressed that ASEAN is central to economic activity in Asia and plays a key role in shaping regional prosperity. Under the Philippines’ chairship, he vowed that the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan will be actively implemented, not merely left on paper.

Under the ASEAN Charter, a Member State assuming the Chairmanship will lead the ASEAN Summit and related meetings, the ASEAN Coordinating Council, the three ASEAN Community Councils, relevant sectoral ministerial bodies, senior officials, and the Committee of Permanent Representatives.

The Chairmanship also entails promoting ASEAN interests, coordinating policy initiatives, ensuring the centrality of ASEAN, responding to urgent issues or crises, representing ASEAN in external relations, and carrying out other mandated tasks.