The Philippines as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), unveiled on Thursday (March 12) several Philippine Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) and to be discussed during the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat the following day.
At a press briefing, DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said that the annual retreat allows the Philippines to set regional priorities, advance initiatives that support national interests, and strengthen economic cooperation with ASEAN’s partners.
“On the retreat proper, the Philippines participation both as AEM Chair and AEM Philippine Lead, provides a good opportunity to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to advancing a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN,” Gepty said.
Among key areas to be discussed during the Retreat are the Philippine Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs), which Gepty described as the highlight of the meeting.
“The PEDs cover a diverse range of areas of trade such as energy, agriculture, strategic trade management, MSMEs, and artificial intelligence, and ASEAN’s efforts to advance the sustainable and green agenda,” Gepty said.
One key PED is Greener Future – Implementation of the Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan 2025-2030, which Gepty said aims to make ASEAN a single destination for sustainable investment, accelerate green transition, and promote inclusive growth.
Another major deliverable is the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), the region’s most comprehensive agreement on digital economy and e-commerce.
“It aims to create a digital environment that is open, secure, interoperable, competitive, and inclusive,” Gepty said.
Gepty also cited the ASEAN Semiconductor Roadmap, which aims to strengthen regional value chains, develop skilled workers, and position ASEAN as a global hub for semiconductor investment.
Other PEDs include the ASEAN Center of Excellence for Creative Industries (ACE–CI), the ASEAN Center of Excellence for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, and energy initiatives under the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) to improve energy connectivity.
The Retreat will also discuss a Leaders’ Declaration on Strategic Trade Management for Secure Regional Trade to regulate trade in sensitive goods and technologies, particularly those that can be used as biological weapons and weapons of mass destruction.
“Strategic Trade Management will ensure that these goods will not fall into the wrong hands. A robust Strategic Trade Management increases the trust of foreign investors and companies, secures access to strategic technologies, and protects high-value sectors of the country,” Gepty said.
Recognizing that the Retreat comes at a critical time amid recent global developments, Gepty said, “ASEAN remains central to these developments, and plays a vital role in shaping the global economy. Thus, showing our united resolve as we navigate our future is a strength in itself.”