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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH to host first-ever ASEAN business retreat

PH to host first-ever ASEAN business retreat

Published Jun 22, 2025 01:35 pm
The Philippines is set to host the inaugural Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) retreat in July.
ASEAN PRIVATE SECTOR LEADERS MEET. Joey Concepcion (left), chair of ASEAN-BAC Philippines and founder of Go Negosyo, and Tan Sri Nazir Razak, ASEAN-BAC 2025 chair and head of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia, at the 103rd ASEAN BAC Council Meeting, Interface with ASEAN Leaders & Related Meetings last May 2025 in Malaysia. (Photo courtesy of Joey Concepcion)
ASEAN PRIVATE SECTOR LEADERS MEET. Joey Concepcion (left), chair of ASEAN-BAC Philippines and founder of Go Negosyo, and Tan Sri Nazir Razak, ASEAN-BAC 2025 chair and head of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia, at the 103rd ASEAN BAC Council Meeting, Interface with ASEAN Leaders & Related Meetings last May 2025 in Malaysia. (Photo courtesy of Joey Concepcion)
ASEAN-BAC Philippines chair Joey Concepcion said the business retreat is a first-of-its-kind gathering that marks a significant step in redefining the council’s role in ASEAN’s integration agenda.
It will take place on July 7 to 8 in Makati City, and will serve as the soft launch of the Philippines’ ASEAN-BAC Chairmanship in 2026.
According to the Go Negosyo founder, the retreat will bring together business leaders from across Southeast Asia, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and development partners—highlighting the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to driving ASEAN prosperity.
“We envision an ASEAN where no one is left behind; where digital innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship fuel inclusive growth that uplifts people, empowers communities, and benefits all nations,” Concepcion said.
“This is the right moment to recalibrate. With the Philippines set to chair ASEAN next year, we must be ready to lead with unity, purpose and impact. Together, ASEAN can—and must—move further, faster,” Concepcion added.
Concepcion and ASEAN-BAC 2025 Chair Tan Sri Nazir Razak will spearhead the retreat dubbed “ASEAN-BAC Reimagined.”
The council members, each appointed by their respective heads of State will review their mandate.
“This is not just a meeting—it is a reset,” Nazir said.
“In a world shaped by disruption and divergence, ASEAN-BAC must evolve to remain a credible and effective platform for the private sector. This first-ever retreat reflects our collective responsibility to strengthen our relevance and impact for the region,” Nazir added.
The retreat will be facilitated by McKinsey & Company to help guide the Council in sharpening its priorities and enhancing its role in driving ASEAN’s economic integration and public-private cooperation.
The retreat will also help bridge Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability and the Philippines’ 2026 agenda, “Driving ASEAN Prosperity: Further, Faster, Together.

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ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Philippines Joey Concepcion Tan Sri Nazir Razak
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