The Philippines aims to complete all 19 priority economic deliverables of its ASEAN chairship by yearend, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, citing progress in digital trade and regional cooperation as the bloc confronts shifting global trade relationships and geopolitical tensions.
Opening the 49th ASEAN Summit Plenary, Marcos highlighted the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as a major step toward expanding cross-border commerce and strengthening regional competitiveness.
“These efforts will culminate in the completion of all nineteen priority economic deliverables of the Philippine chairship by the end of 2026,” he said.
More than 100 outcome documents have been advanced through the summit and related meetings following months of negotiations among ASEAN members and their dialogue partners, Marcos said.
But the volume of agreements and declarations will ultimately matter less than their ability to lower trade barriers, attract investment, improve connectivity and create opportunities for businesses and workers.
Marcos urged ASEAN to make better use of its expanding network of international partnerships, stressing that diplomatic goodwill must lead to practical cooperation that addresses member states’ needs.
“Our partnerships should continue to advance ASEAN priorities, respond to the needs of our member states, and turn political goodwill into practical cooperation,” he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva joined the summit as guests of the chair, reflecting the Philippines’ push to broaden ASEAN’s engagement with major economies beyond its traditional partners.
Marcos also called for closer coordination among governments, businesses, civil society and academic institutions, saying regional peace, economic prosperity and public well-being were closely linked.
The Philippine chairship is organized around three priorities: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.
Completing the 19 economic deliverables would mark a milestone for the Philippine chairship. The larger test, however, will be whether these initiatives translate into stronger business activity, greater investment and more widely shared gains from regional integration.
