The Philippines is being considered as the site of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) first-ever hub dedicated to the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in recognition of its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
ASEAN Business Advisory Council-Philippines (ASEAN BAC PH) Chair Joey Concepcion recently met with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty to seek the agency’s support and guidance for the establishment of the ASEAN Center for MSME Development—a joint government and private sector initiative aimed at empowering the region’s small businesses.
Envisioned as a physical hub for mentorship, capacity-building, and regional collaboration, the proposed center will connect MSMEs across ASEAN, promote best practices, and strengthen entrepreneurship in the region. It also aims to foster greater awareness of ASEAN among Filipinos, especially in light of the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit in 2026. Concepcion was joined in the meeting by former Foreign Affairs Secretary Ambassador Delia Albert and ASEAN BAC PH Executive Director Gil Gonzales.
Concepcion, who also founded the non-profit Go Negosyo and has championed Filipino entrepreneurship for two decades, said that the Philippines’ strong government-private sector cooperation in MSME development makes it an ideal host for the center. If realized, it will become the country’s second ASEAN-recognized regional center of excellence, following the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity.
The Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 presents a timely opportunity to launch the center, in alignment with the DTI’s strategic priorities. The proposed center is expected to be among the legacy projects of the 2026 chairmanship, alongside key initiatives in food security and women’s economic empowerment.
Next steps for the project include presenting the concept to ASEAN stakeholders, securing formal approval, and ultimately obtaining a declaration of support from ASEAN leaders.