PH puts ASEAN Centrality to work for trade, investment and digital growth at 2nd ABMX 2026

Now at the midpoint of its ASEAN Chairship, the Philippines is putting a sharper economic focus on ASEAN Centrality, highlighting how regional cooperation can translate into more trade and investment, stronger supply chains and more competitive industries.

These issues take the spotlight at the second ASEAN Business Media Exchange (ABMX) 2026, which brings together government leaders, investors, private-sector representatives and media today, September 7, at SPACE at One Ayala, Makati.

Organized by the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP) in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the exchange explores how ASEAN cooperation can produce practical economic outcomes.

The morning program opens with “From Priorities to Progress: Advancing the Three ASEAN Community Pillars,” featuring Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim, who will discuss the Philippines’ mid-year progress and priorities under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) and ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), respectively.

Secretary Roque will further discuss the country’s trade and investment priorities in a fireside chat with broadcast journalist Karen Davila. The session, “DTI’s Priorities for the PH Strategic Agenda and Future of ASEAN,” will focus on emerging growth sectors, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, information technology, advanced manufacturing and talent development, as well as how stronger ASEAN ties can attract investments.

The second panel, “Empowering ASEAN’s MSMEs: Building the Digital Foundations to Unlock the Opportunities of DEFA,” will examine how the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) can expand cross-border digital trade and market access for smaller businesses. Featuring Patrick Signo of the Data Center Association of the Philippines (DCAP), Rowie Zamora of Mynt (GCash) and Wilson Siahaan of Ant International, the discussion will focus on the digital infrastructure, technology and skills MSMEs need to overcome barriers to digital adoption and compete in a more integrated ASEAN market.

The ABMX aims to strengthen ASEAN Centrality as a platform for coordinated action and translate shared priorities into tangible economic opportunities and long-term benefits.

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