According to the 2026 ASEAN Philippines press release accessed in Jakarta, Thursday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty highlighted the economic goal of ASEAN to keep trade going amid the Middle East crisis.
"ASEAN is an economic community which is positioned not only as a market but also as a production hub," he said.
Gepty explained that one of the important trade agendas of ASEAN is inclusivity that includes integrating micro, small, and medium enterprises into the global value chain. "And one way to do that is for them to be given enhanced market access in the region," he said.
Through the global market, he said, local businesses can export and be connected with companies that are already part of the global value chain, as well as also drive the growth of services, investments, and job generation.
"Being integrated in the (ASEAN) region is not just solely confined to trade in goods. You can take advantage of the liberalization that we have adopted on services. And it is also important to increase more investments that can generate jobs and opportunities for businesses," he said.
Under the Philippines’ Chairship, one of its Priority Economic Deliverables is the establishment of an ASEAN Center of Excellence for MSMEs intended to integrate all programs, projects, and initiatives on MSMEs in the region.
He stated MSMEs are the heart of the ASEAN market, the center will enhance regional collaboration to continuously capacitate MSMEs to be integrated into the global market.
Moreover, the Philippines is also pushing for the conclusion and signing of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, and the establishment of a framework for regional payment interconnectivity.
"The online platform is one equalizer for our MSMEs to access foreign markets. And I think to come up with a set of rules that would govern transactions online would be highly welcome, including our initiative on regional payment interconnectivity," he said.
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Translator: Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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