DTI: ASEAN forum to advance policies for improved regional business climate

Business | International Business Posted on 2026-03-10 05:10:18

MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday that the 2026 ASEAN Business Environment Forum 2026 will focus on policy discussions aimed at improving the investment climate and expanding economic and employment opportunities across the region.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the forum scheduled for March 11, Benedict Uy, executive director of the DTI’s Foreign Trade Service Corps, said the event will serve as a platform for collaboration between government and the private sector to translate policy ideas into practical initiatives that benefit businesses and communities in the region.

“The forum is really for the private sector and the government to work together and identify areas where policies can be transformed into tangible actions that not only the Philippines but other ASEAN countries can pursue,” Uy said.

According to Uy, discussions during the forum will focus on improving the ease of doing business, strengthening public-private partnerships, advancing digitalization to enhance transparency and efficiency, and promoting green and sustainable development initiatives.

He noted that these efforts are expected to benefit policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike by encouraging investments, supporting local enterprises, and generating employment opportunities.

The forum will gather industry leaders, policymakers, and economic experts who will exchange insights and best practices to help position Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an attractive destination for global investments.

Uy added that ABEF 2026 is strategically scheduled as a side event of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat to ensure that the forum’s discussions contribute directly to ministerial-level policy deliberations.

The event will be hosted by the DTI through its Committee on Business and Investment Promotion, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank.

Uy also noted that many of the themes to be discussed during the forum echo key points raised at the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum 2026, which was attended by Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Feb. 24.

During that event, Marcos emphasized the importance of treating the private sector as a full partner in economic development and advancing reforms that improve the ease of doing business, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and utilize digitalization to minimize corruption and speed up government services.

Participants in the forum also highlighted the need to ensure policy stability, reduce the cost of doing business, and strengthen regional economic integration to boost trade within ASEAN.

Uy added that while tax incentives can help attract initial investments, sustained economic growth depends on strong collaboration with local enterprises, sound strategic planning, and maximizing each country’s competitive advantages.

NPO News Team | PIA-PR

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