The Department of Trade and Industry on Monday presented a set of economic goals that will be prioritized by the Philippines as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.

Trade Undersecretary for Foreign Relations Allan Gepty said the five major agenda priorities of the Philippines in leading the ASEAN in 2026 will be the strengthening of trade and investment linkages, accelerating digital transformation, integrating ASEAN’s micro, small and medium enterprises’ development agenda, leveraging creative economy and innovation, and advancing sustainable and inclusive economies.

Year of opportunity

According to Gepty, for the Philippines, 2026 will be a year of opportunity as it assumes the chairship of the ASEAN.

“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 in his speech delivered during the Department of Trade and Industry’s Public-Private Sector Dialogue on the Philippines 2026 Priority Economic Deliverables: Navigating Our Future Toward a Resilient, Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN on Monday at the Makati Diamond Residences.

“Ever present, there are rapid technological changes, shifting geopolitical dynamics, new economic realities, climate pressures and evolving challenges of supply chains and the need to build resilient communities,” Gepty said.

Advocate for stability, security and sustainability

What is imperative, stressed the DTI undersecretary, is that as the country moves forward, it should always be mindful of the agenda to push and advocate for stability, security, sustainability, and shared prosperity in the region.