ASEAN Set to Honor 11 Businesses That Prove Growth Can Include Everyone

Manila, Philippines—Nearly a decade after the Philippines introduced the idea of "inclusive business" to Southeast Asia, the region is set to recognize what it actually looks like in practice. Eleven companies, one from each ASEAN member state, will be honored on 22 September at the Ninth ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum in Pasay City for building business models that create real income for people usually left out of the formal economy: women, persons with disabilities, small farmers, and rural artisans.

"After nearly nine years of this work, the focus now is on a simple but important question: how do we turn these frameworks and commitments into concrete action?" said Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo in a press briefing at the International Media Center in Pasay City for the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting. 

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The awardees answer that question with numbers, not slogans. In Singapore, coffee chain Foreword Coffee built a business where about seven in ten employees are persons with disabilities or people managing mental health conditions, proof that inclusive hiring can run a profitable, multi-outlet business rather than stay a one-time gesture. In Cambodia, agri-food company Confirel works with 130 palm-sugar farming families and is now planting the first of a million cacao trees meant to give rural households a second, longer-term source of income. In Indonesia, spice enterprise Agradaya sources from more than 500 farmers, over three-quarters of them women, turning small harvests into products now sold in more than five countries. In Timor Leste, natural and herbal products company M2T is transforming traditional knowledge and locally available resources into quality products with strong local identity, added value, and market potential. And in the Philippines, host-country awardee Kawayan Collective has supplied over 95,000 treated bamboo poles for social housing projects, a homegrown, lower-cost alternative to imported steel and cement. The remaining awardees come from Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

"Inclusive business is ultimately about creating meaningful opportunities for low-income communities, smallholder farmers, MSMEs, and other groups to participate in business value chains," Rodolfo said, adding that the goal now is to help move the idea "from policy frameworks to practical action."

This year's forum carries the theme "Building Capacities for Inclusive Business" and marks the anniversary of the framework the Philippines first proposed to ASEAN in 2017. It is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry together with the ASEAN Secretariat, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the OECD, and the ASEAN Foundation, and will include the launch of a new OECD report on the economic contribution of inclusive businesses across the region.

The forum is part of the series of meetings under the Philippines' hosting of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings, with outcomes feeding into the broader agenda ASEAN Leaders take up at the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits this November.

ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience Opens in Manila, Strengthening Regional Action for a Resilient ASEAN

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) 2026 formally began today, September 15, bringing together Ministers, heads of disaster management agencies, and regional partners to strengthen cooperation and collective action toward a more resilient ASEAN.

Held as a flagship event of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, the two-day conference brings together regional disaster management leaders to advance cooperation amid increasingly complex, interconnected, and systemic risks and translate existing regional commitments into concrete action.

In her welcome remarks, delivered on behalf of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chair and Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Special Envoy of the President for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Maria Antonia Loyzaga emphasized the need to recognize emerging areas of exposure and vulnerability while strengthening the links between regional commitments and local realities. 

Loyzaga also highlighted the importance of partnerships in translating regional and global frameworks into action on the ground, particularly through the participation of civil society, the private sector, academia, scientific institutions, and development partners.

“The resilience of our societies is not the work of the government alone. It relies on our constructive collaboration with the private sector, academia and scientific institutions, as well as partners in the development sector,” Loyzaga said.

The conference also marks the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), as ASEAN advances the  implementation of the AADMER Work Programme 2026–2030.

Day 1 discussions focused on translating global and regional disaster risk reduction commitments into implementation. Delegates examined ways to strengthen risk knowledge, early warning systems, and anticipatory action through innovation and partnerships, while advancing the localization of the AADMER Work Programme 2026–2030 through stronger civil defense and public protection systems.

The fifth edition of the ASEAN Risk Monitor and Disaster Management Review (ARMOR) was also launched during the conference, providing an evidence base for strengthening proactive, science-driven, and collaborative approaches to disaster risk management. The latest edition focuses on transboundary challenges that extend beyond geographical, institutional, and technological boundaries.

The AMCDR will continue on September 16 with discussions on recovery readiness and disaster risk financing, whole-of-society preparedness and partnerships, and ASEAN’s post-2030 disaster resilience vision

The conference is expected to adopt the Manila Declaration, which sets out ASEAN’s collective commitment to accelerate the implementation of the AADMER Work Programme 2026-2030 and shape ASEAN’s disaster resilience agenda towards 2030 and beyond.

AEM ASEAN's Record $243.9-B Investment Signals More Jobs Ahead for the Region

Manila, Philippines—Southeast Asian countries pulled in a record USD 243.9 billion in foreign investment last year, as trade and investment ministers from ASEAN's 11 member states wrapped up their annual investment meeting in Manila this week. What makes the number matter isn't just its size, it's that this is the fifth year in a row the region has cleared USD 200 billion. This reflects investor confidence in Southeast Asia to plan around future jobs and projects.

Briefing reporters at the International Media Center in Pasay City, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo said the record inflows show investors still trust the region even as trade tensions and global uncertainty make businesses more cautious elsewhere. "ASEAN continues to stand out as one of the world's most dynamic and attractive investment destinations," he said. "The message from ASEAN today is clear: ASEAN remains open for business, committed to regional cooperation, and determined to compete successfully in the industries of the future."

That confidence is already turning into jobs Filipinos can point to. Projects the Philippines approved in 2025 alone are projected to create more than 153,000 jobs, and projects approved in just the first six months of 2026 add nearly 54,000 more, over 200,000 jobs already in the pipeline in a year and a half of approvals. Separately, the government's Green Lane program, which fast-tracks the country's biggest strategic investments, has certified 239 projects worth ₱6.32 trillion since it started. Once those are fully built and running, they're expected to employ around 421,000 people.

Where the money goes matters too. Much of it is going into electronics manufacturing and the region's growing digital and tech industries. Governments are also funding clean energy and power grids, which mean fewer brownouts and steadier bills, along with digital infrastructure that brings faster, more affordable internet to more communities.

"The meeting also highlighted the need to move beyond simply increasing investment volumes toward attracting investments that generate innovation, quality jobs, strengthen industrial capabilities, and contribute to sustainable development," said Undersecretary Rodolfo.

This week's meetings are part of the Philippines' hosting of ASEAN's economic ministerial gatherings for 2026. The outcomes will feed into the recommendations ASEAN leaders take up when they meet again in Manila this November for the 49th ASEAN Summit

THE TWENTY-THIRD AEM-ROK CONSULTATION

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT 

1. The Twenty-Third ASEAN Economic Ministers – Republic of Korea (AEM-ROK) Consultation was held on 20 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, and H.E. Jung Sung Park, Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea.

2. The Meeting noted that based on ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and the ROK stood at USD 226.1 billion in 2025 and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow from the ROK to ASEAN was recorded at USD 8.9 billion in the same year. These figures placed the ROK as ASEAN’s sixth largest trading partner and seventh largest source of FDI in 2025.  

3. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and global economic developments, noting that rising geopolitical tensions, including unilateral trade actions and regional conflicts, collectively threaten the rules-based international order. The Meeting also took note that these developments, compounded by the Middle East crisis which has heightened the volatility in global energy markets, including disruptions to oil and gas supply chains, have imposed significant cost burdens on businesses, added to inflationary pressures, and created an increasingly unpredictable operating environment, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In this challenging climate, the Meeting stressed that a closer and more practical economic partnership between ASEAN and ROK is not only essential but also urgent. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties, while advancing deeper and more resilient supply chain integration. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, as well as their shared commitment to constructively engaging with all trading partners to address legitimate trade concerns in a balanced and forward-looking manner and reiterated the need to refrain from any unilateral measures that could further destabilise global economic conditions. 

4. The Meeting welcomed the commencement of the AKFTA Upgrade negotiations in 2026 to ensure that the AKFTA is commercially meaningful and relevant to businesses, trade-facilitative, modern, forward-looking, and responsive to regional and global developments. The Meeting welcomed the inclusion of new areas in the AKFTA, including supply chain connectivity, energy cooperation, raw and intermediate materials, sustainable development, the green economy, and the digital economy. The Meeting underscored that these areas reflect the shared aspirations of ASEAN and the ROK to pursue a more prosperous region by enhancing resilience, strengthening competitiveness, and responding to the challenges of climate change and digital transformation. The Meeting encouraged officials to work closely towards substantial conclusion of the negotiations by 2027.

5. The Meeting noted with appreciation the continued implementation of the Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea (TASK) Programme, which has contributed to strengthening ASEAN’s industrial capacity. The Meeting noted that seven ASEAN Member States have participated in 16 TASK projects.

6. The Meeting noted the implementation of the ASEAN-ROK Think Tank Dialogue on Economic and Trade Policy and the joint research work undertaken by ASEAN and ROK institutions under this platform. The Meeting recognised the important role of the Dialogue in fostering discourse and collaboration on emerging areas in support of well-informed policy development in the region.

7. The Meeting welcomed the continued progress of the ASEAN-ROK Standards Cooperation Network (AKSCN), which promotes cooperation between ASEAN and the ROK in new technologies and standards, and encouraged both sides to continue working on concrete project implementation.

8. The Meeting welcomed the launch of the Trade Academy for ASEAN Officials, scheduled to be held in December 2026, and looked forward to the Academy contributing to the building of sustainable networks among trade officials of ASEAN and the ROK.

9. The Meeting noted the ROK’s proposal on the ASEAN-ROK Partnership for Resilient Industrial Supply Chains and Materials (PRISM), which aims to foster cooperation to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of industrial supply chains in the region by promoting cooperation across areas including minerals, processing and advanced materials, manufacturing, and circularity. The Meeting looked forward to further discussion by Senior Economic Officials on the details of the proposed initiative.

10. The Meeting acknowledged the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26 to 29 March 2026 and reaffirmed its strong commitment to upholding an open, predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. The Meeting underscored the urgency of pursuing meaningful and comprehensive WTO reform to improve all of its functions, including the dispute settlement system, and to ensure that the WTO is equipped with the tools needed to respond to the realities of today’s global economy. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to working closely together to advance a reformed, revitalised and effective WTO that ensures credibility and confidence and delivers practical results for all WTO Members, including developing and least developed Members. The Meeting also recognised the positive role of plurilateral initiatives in the WTO, including Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), in fostering new ideas, advancing discussions on emerging trade issues, and building momentum towards multilateral outcomes.

11. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-ROK meetings and economic cooperation mechanisms. The Meeting acknowledged Timor-Leste’s continued efforts to advance its effective participation and full integration into ASEAN, including through the implementation of its ASEAN economic commitments in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to provide necessary capacity-building and technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy.

THE TENTH AEM-HONG KONG, CHINA CONSULTATION

1. The Tenth ASEAN Economic Ministers-Hong Kong, China (AEM-HKC) Consultation was held on 20 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines and Dr. Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of HKC.

2. The Meeting noted that according to ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and HKC amounted to USD 154.5 billion in 2025. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow from HKC into ASEAN also reached USD 16.5 billion during the same year. Taking these figures into account, HKC was positioned as ASEAN’s seventh largest trading partner and fourth largest source of FDI in the previous year. Concurrently, ASEAN as a bloc was HKC’s second-largest merchandise trading partner in 2025. The FDI stock from ASEAN to HKC stood at USD 57.8 billion at the end of 2024, positioning ASEAN as HKC’s sixth largest source of FDI.

3. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and global economic developments, noting that rising geopolitical tensions, including unilateral trade actions and regional conflicts, collectively threaten the rules-based international order. The Meeting also noted with concern that these developments, compounded by the Middle East crisis which has heightened the volatility in global energy markets – including disruptions to oil and gas supply chains – have inflicted significant costs on businesses, heightened inflationary pressures, and created an increasingly unpredictable operating environment, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In this challenging climate, the Meeting stressed that closer and more substantive economic partnership between ASEAN and HKC is essential and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties and deepening supply chain integration. In this regard, the Meeting further reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and the shared resolve to constructively engage all trading partners to address legitimate trade concerns in a balanced and forward-looking manner, and to refrain from any unilateral measures that could further destabilise global economic conditions.

4. The Meeting welcomed the signing of the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-HKC Investment Agreement (AHKIA) which would further enhance the predictability and certainty of investment regimes for ASEAN and HKC investors and contribute to a more conducive and stable environment for two-way investment flows between both sides. The Meeting urged all Parties to continue working towards the resolution of other issues under the Work Programme of the AHKIA, recognising that the conclusion of all remaining elements of the Work Programme would further solidify the investment framework, bolster investor confidence, and unlock greater investment opportunities between ASEAN and HKC. On the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-HKC Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA), the Meeting underscored the importance of its entry into force as soon as possible, in order to deliver further benefits of the AHKFTA to traders and businesses of both sides. The Meeting strongly urged the remaining Parties to expedite the deposit of their written notifications on the implementation of the First Protocol to Amend the AHKFTA.

5. The Meeting expressed appreciation for HKC’s second instalment of its annual contribution of HKD 6 million for the implementation of the AHKFTA Economic and Technical Co-operation (ECOTECH) Work Programme for 2026 and looked forward to the continued effective and timely implementation of approved projects in 2026. The Meeting noted that a number of the approved projects fall within the expanded scope of the ECOTECH areas of cooperation, in particular in the areas of Sustainable Economic Development and Digital Transformation, and looked forward to these initiatives generating meaningful outcomes and tangible benefits, especially in addressing emerging issues. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of the AHKFTA ECOTECH Work Programme as a cornerstone of the ASEAN-HKC economic cooperation, recognising that it serves as a vital and practical mechanism for building capacity, narrowing development gaps, and deepening regional economic integration. The Meeting committed to working closely to ensure effective implementation of the ECOTECH Work Programme to maximise its impact and deliver concrete benefits to businesses, investors, and communities across ASEAN and HKC.  

6. The Meeting noted HKC’s strong interest and readiness in acceding to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as well as the potential benefits and important contributions that HKC’s accession could bring in. Recognising that the accession of new members would enhance regional economic integration and reinforce RCEP as an inclusive and dynamic trade framework, the Meeting encouraged the RCEP Joint Committee to advance the accession progress for the applicants into the RCEP, including HKC, at the earliest possible time.

7. The Meeting noted the ongoing discussion between ASEAN and HKC on the collaboration between the ASEAN Single Window and HKC’s Trade Single Window, including the pilot project to exchange the electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO Form AHK). The Meeting encouraged continued engagement to advance the project, taking into account AMS’ readiness.

8. The Meeting acknowledged the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26 – 29 March 2026 and reaffirmed its strong commitment to upholding an open, predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. The Meeting underscored the urgency of delivering meaningful and comprehensive WTO reform to improve all its functions, including the dispute settlement system, and to equip the WTO with the tools necessary to address the realities of today’s global economy. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to work in close coordination to advance a reformed, revitalised and effective WTO that commands credibility and confidence, and delivers tangible outcomes for all WTO Members, including developing and least developed countries. The Meeting also recognised the positive role that plurilateral initiatives play at the WTO, including the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), to fostering new ideas, advancing discussion on emerging trade issues and building the momentum toward multilateral outcomes.

9. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-HKC meetings and economic cooperation mechanisms. The Meeting acknowledged Timor-Leste’s continued efforts to advance its effective participation and full integration to ASEAN, including through the implementation of its ASEAN economic commitments in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed its readiness to continue providing the necessary capacity-building and technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy.

THE THIRTY-SECOND AEM-METI CONSULTATION

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

1. The Thirty-second ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) – Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Consultation was held on 20 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines and H.E. Ryosei Akazawa, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

2. The Meeting noted that according to ASEAN’s preliminary statistics, total two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and Japan reached USD 245.4 billion in 2025, while foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from Japan into ASEAN amounted to USD 9.5 billion in the same year. These figures placed Japan as ASEAN’s five-largest trading partner and five-largest source of FDI last year.

3. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and global economic developments, noting that rising geopolitical tensions, trade-related uncertainties, and regional conflicts continue to affect the stability and predictability of the international economic environment, creating a challenging operating environment, particularly for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Meeting also took note of the increased volatility in global energy markets, including risks to key energy supply routes such as in the Middle East, or any straits used for international navigation and its potential implications for global supply chains. In this regard, the Meeting further reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and the shared resolve to constructively engage all trading partners to address legitimate trade concerns in a balanced and forward-looking manner, and to refrain from any unilateral measures that could further destabilise global economic conditions.

4. In this challenging climate, the Meeting stressed the importance of strengthening ASEAN-Japan cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience, energy security, regional stability, and global resilience, including through the “Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia),” and noted Japan’s continued support. The Meeting also affirmed that the realisation of the “Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) 2.0” will contribute to strengthening the economic and energy resilience of the region. Furthermore, the Meeting welcomed Japan’s cooperation projects that contribute to industrial upgrading with a focus on energy efficiency, which are being implemented in alignment with the “ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC)

5. The Meeting welcomed the progress report of the implementation of the Future Design and Action Plan (FDAP) of Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation 2023-2033, reaffirming its importance as the overarching strategic blueprint that provides a long-term vision and concrete direction for advancing ASEAN-Japan economic relations in a forward-looking, innovative, and mutually beneficial manner. The Meeting noted the growing number of initiatives undertaken under the FDAP’s four pillars of strengthening cyber-physical connectivity, promoting open innovation beyond borders, developing dynamic human capital, and advancing sustainability. The Meeting called on both sides to maintain strong momentum across all four pillars to ensure that the FDAP remains relevant and fit for purpose, strengthens economic resilience, and delivers its full transformative potential for the region. 

6. The Meeting noted Japan’s proposal to prioritise cooperation in key sectors including semiconductor, and critical minerals, biofuels, and circular economy in order to strengthen regional economic resilience. The Meeting also noted the joint statement issued by the Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG) Task Force, which compiled input from the private sector. In particular, the Meeting also noted Japan’s proposal to hold public-private roundtables in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) and others in several sectors to explore areas where cooperation should be strengthened.

7. The Meeting noted the updates on the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement and reaffirmed the importance of the Agreement as a key foundation of ASEAN-Japan economic relations. The Meeting welcomed efforts to enhance the utilisation and effectiveness of the AJCEP, including the completion of the transposition of the AJCEP Product Specifical Rules (PSRs) into Harmonised System (HS) 2022, which has enhanced the clarity, usability, and consistency of the rules of origin

8. The Meeting welcomed the progress made in the discussions on the possible upgrade of the AJCEP Agreement and the commencement of the relevant process, including the undertaking of a Joint Feasibility Study (JFS) by ERIA, aiming to explore possible upgrading elements including strengthening supply chain resilience. The Meeting urged the AJCEP Joint Committee to advance the preparatory work, including the timely completion of the JFS, with a view to facilitating further consideration of the way forward on the possible modernisation of the AJCEP Agreement.

9. The Meeting acknowledged the importance of facilitating the flow of data and strengthening consumer and business trust in digital transactions. The Meeting also noted Japan’s readiness to support and assist ASEAN in the implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

10. The Meeting noted the importance of Japan’s efforts on organising the Asian Export Control Seminar in February for sharing the latest developments and best practices on Strategic Trade Management (STM). The Meeting further noted the convening of the ASEAN STM workshop in July, one of the priority economic deliverables of ASEAN this year, for sharing the latest developments, best practices and conducting fruitful discussions in STM among policymakers from Japan and ASEAN. In support of the proposed ASEAN Leader’s Declaration on STM for Secure Regional Trade, the workshop focused on how effective STM systems contribute to economic security, resilient supply chains, responsible investment, and shared commitment to continue regional dialogue and capacity building. The Meeting also reaffirmed that implementation of STM plays an important role in promoting deeper and more resilient supply chain integration in the region.

11. The Meeting expressed its appreciation to ERIA for its continued contributions in advancing ASEAN–Japan economic cooperation and resilience. The Meeting in particular, noted ERIA’s analytical work and policy recommendations in initiatives, such as the Masterplan for the ASEAN–Japan Next-Generation Automotive Industry and the ASEAN–Japan AI Innovation Co-Creation Roadmap, as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation on supply chain resilience, energy security, innovation, startups, and human capital development. The Meeting also expressed its appreciation for Japan’s support following up on these recommendations, including initiatives in the automotive sector such as promoting the use of biofuels and developing human resources, and in the AI sector such as creating business cases and providing capacity building.

12. The Meeting welcomed the continued contribution of AMEICC in advancing practical and industry-oriented cooperation between ASEAN and Japan. The Meeting noted the ongoing work across AMEICC’s three main pillars of (i) sectoral working groups on the automotive industry, the chemical industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the Mekong sub-region (ii) the promotion of collaborative projects, and (iii) research, capacity building, and related activities. The Meeting expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through AMEICC in advancing industrial cooperation, including efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of ASEAN industries, enhance human capital development, and promote innovation and technology transfer between ASEAN and Japan, and in exploring opportunities in emerging fields, such as the circular economy. The Meeting looked forward to the continued support from AMEICC and encouraged both sides to leverage on this platform to further advance ASEAN-Japan industrial cooperation priorities.

13. The Meeting acknowledged the importance of intellectual property (IP) cooperation driven through annual ASEAN-Japan IPR Action Plans, emphasising that capacity building is essential for establishing transparent and streamlined examination procedures and practices. The Meeting recognised that the annual ASEAN-Japan Heads of IP Offices meeting discusses and takes stock of the work items in the Action Plan. The Meeting further recognised that a key point in the 2026-2027 Action Plan aims to strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly in the semiconductor sector, leveraging ERIA's research and capacity building programs.

14. The Meeting acknowledged the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26 - 29 March 2026 and reaffirmed its strong commitment to upholding an open, predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. The Meeting underscored the urgency of delivering meaningful, and comprehensive WTO reform to improve all its functions, including the dispute settlement system, and to equip the WTO with the tools necessary to address the realities of today’s global economy. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to work in close coordination to advance a reformed, revitalised and effective WTO that commands credibility and confidence, and delivers tangible outcomes for all WTO Members, including developing and least developed countries. The Meeting also recognised the positive role that plurilateral initiatives play at the WTO, including the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), to fostering new ideas, advancing discussion on emerging global trade issues, and building the momentum toward multilateral outcomes. The Meeting also welcomed the adoption of interim arrangements for the Agreement on Electronic Commerce at MC14 by participating Members and called for the consideration to incorporate the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO legal framework. In addition, the Meeting acknowledged the positive role of the WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions with a view to provide certainty and predictability for the digital economy.

15. The Meeting noted the recommendations of the ASEAN-Japan Business Council (AJBC), the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA), and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), including efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience, promote innovation through industry-startup collaboration, and support digital investment and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. The Meeting also welcomed continued initiatives by JETRO in enhancing regional economic cooperation, including through the collaboration with ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) on the ASEAN Business Barometer Survey that support evidence-based policymaking and deeper ASEAN economic integration.

16. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-Japan meetings and economic cooperation mechanisms. The Meeting acknowledged Timor-Leste’s continued efforts to advance its effective participation and full integration into ASEAN, including through the implementation of its ASEAN economic commitments in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed their] commitment to continue providing the necessary capacity-building and technical assistance to support Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy

THE FIFTH AEM TROIKA OPEN-ENDED DIALOGUE WITH SWITZERLAND

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

1. The Fifth ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Troika Open-ended Dialogue with Switzerland was held on 20 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines and H.E. State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland. 

2. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and global economic developments, noting that rising geopolitical tensions, including unilateral trade actions and regional conflicts collectively threaten the rules-based international order. The Meeting also took note that these developments, compounded by the Middle East crisis which has heightened the volatility in global energy markets – including disruptions to oil and gas supply chains – have inflicted significant costs on businesses, heightened inflationary pressures, and created an increasingly unpredictable operating environment, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In this challenging climate, the Meeting stressed that a closer and more substantive economic partnership between ASEAN and Switzerland is not only essential but also imperative. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties, including by exploring methods to foster Swiss private sector engagement with ASEAN, while advancing deeper and more resilient supply chain integration. In this regard, the Meeting further reaffirmed the shared resolve to constructively engage all trading partners to address legitimate trade concerns in a balanced and forward-looking manner, and to refrain from any unilateral measures that could further destabilise global economic conditions.

3. The Meeting took note of the outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 26 - 29 March 2026 and reaffirmed its strong commitment to upholding an open, predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable,  and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. The Meeting underscored the urgency of delivering meaningful and comprehensive WTO reform to improve all its functions, including the dispute settlement system, and to equip the WTO with the tools necessary to address the realities of today’s global economy. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to work in close coordination to advance a reformed, revitalised and effective WTO that delivers tangible outcomes for all WTO Members, including developing and least developed countries. The Meeting also recognised the positive role that plurilateral initiatives play at the WTO, including the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), in addressing emerging trade issues and supporting multilateral outcomes.

4. The Meeting welcomed the finalisation of the 2026 – 2030 ASEAN-EFTA Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation (JDC) Workplan, recognising it as an important step forward in providing a structured and comprehensive framework to strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-EFTA economic relationship. The Meeting noted that the Workplan focuses on fostering cooperation through the sharing of information, experiences, and best practices, as well as policy dialogue, taking into account the strategic direction of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and EFTA’s economic priorities, ensuring it reflects the shared interests and complementarities of both sides. The Meeting looked forward to the full and effective implementation of the Work Plan and called on officials to maintain momentum in translating its objectives into concrete and meaningful outcomes that advance ASEAN-EFTA economic cooperation.

5. The Meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th Member State of ASEAN and looked forward to its closer engagement in ASEAN-Switzerland meetings and economic cooperation mechanisms. The Meeting acknowledged Timor-Leste’s continued efforts to advance its effective participation and full integration to ASEAN including through the implementation of its ASEAN economic commitments in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN. In this regard, the Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s effective integration into the regional economy, through existing ASEAN - Switzerland