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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider ASEAN Boracay meeting to shape region's economic agenda next year

ASEAN Boracay meeting to shape region's economic agenda next year

Published Dec 10, 2025 01:32 pm
(Photo from ASEAN 2026 PH via Facebook)
(Photo from ASEAN 2026 PH via Facebook)
The first official meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the chairmanship of the Philippines is expected to lay the groundwork for the regional bloc’s economic agenda for next year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
In a social media post, the DTI’s Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) said the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting (SEOM) Retreat will bring together the region’s high-ranking economic officials and delegates.
The meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10 to 11 on the island of Boracay in Aklan.
The SEOM Retreat will set the tone for ASEAN’s economic work for the year ahead, serving as the venue to exchange views on regional priorities, external economic relations, and regional trade initiatives.
Economic officials are also expected to map out the program calendar for 2026, which will be hosted by the Philippines.
In addition, the meeting will deliberate on the country’s proposed priority economic deliverables that would form the regional bloc’s economic framework for next year.
Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said last month that the country has identified five strategic pillars aimed at boosting the region’s competitiveness and economic standing.
Gepty said this includes strengthening trade and investment linkages; leveraging the creative economy and innovation; accelerating digital transformation; advancing sustainable and inclusive economies; and integrating ASEAN’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development agenda.
“These thrusts acknowledge the challenges we face, but do not ignore the immense potential of our region,” said Gepty.
“These priorities are not simply about projects, but locking in the future of a region that is set to become the world's fourth-largest economy within the next decade,” he added.
Among the key deliverables for the country is to conclude the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between ASEAN and Canada, with the BITR tapped as the lead agency.
Aside from shaping the region’s economic agenda, the BITR expects the SEOM Retreat to stimulate the local economy and promote the country’s beauty and culture.
It noted that this reflects “how regional leadership can deliver both immediate, tangible benefits at home and long-term gains for the country and the region.”
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