PH seeks to lock in ASEAN economic agenda ahead of leaders’ meet

Detailed summary

MANILA – The Philippines is pushing for the completion and endorsement of its priority economic deliverables as ASEAN economic ministers finalize recommendat...

The Philippines is pushing for the completion and endorsement of its priority economic deliverables as ASEAN economic ministers finalize recommendations and initiatives for consideration by regional leaders at the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings.

MANILA – The Philippines is pushing for the completion and endorsement of its priority economic deliverables as ASEAN economic ministers finalize recommendations and initiatives for consideration by regional leaders at the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the 28th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting on Saturday would assess the progress of the Philippines' 2026 chairship, identify remaining work, and agree on the next steps to sustain the region's economic integration efforts.

The ministers are expected to endorse the outcomes of the Philippines' priority economic deliverables, including the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and finalize key economic recommendations for the leaders' consideration.

Roque said the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030 must be supported by clear milestones, effective coordination, and consistent implementation.

“The real measure of this plan is not the number of commitments we make, but the value they bring to every business, consumer, worker, and community,” she said.

DEFA, one of the Philippines' major economic deliverables, is intended to establish stronger regional cooperation on digital trade, e-commerce, electronic payments, and cybersecurity.

Roque said the council's work should ensure that economic integration translates into opportunities, stronger livelihoods and greater confidence in the region's shared future.

The council's recommendations and reports will feed directly into discussions among ASEAN leaders who will converge and meet in Manila on Sunday.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Philippine News Agency. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.