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Archived press release details and supporting information for official ASEAN-BAC Philippines announcements.

ASEAN-BAC hosts the first Philippines-ASEAN Business Forum

[September 19, 2026 | Pasay City] —  The ASEAN-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) inaugurated the Philippines-ASEAN Business Forum last September 19, Saturday at the Citadines by the Bay, Manila. ASEAN-BAC Chair Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III opened the meeting, gathering leaders in government and industry to realign business interests with the country’s needs.

Under the theme “Advancing Philippine Enterprises in ASEAN’s Next Growth Chapter,” the forum served as the Council’s final alignment with the private sector before they met with ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM).

"We know that governments set the rules. They create the policies, but it is the private sector that creates the jobs,” Concepcion said in his opening remarks, emphasizing the Council’s role to represent these private companies and industries.  DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty affirmed the private sector’s role in capitalizing the Philippines’ advantage in global market access from the numerous-FTA agendas entered this administration. “We want our businesses to be more competitive and participate in regional bodies.” He said.

The executive dialogue featured an in-depth discussion on global trade and what that meant for the Philippines. The dialogue suggested a more definitive use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and a focus on appealing towards strategic partnerships. The first panel centered around ways to connect the ASEAN regional market, featuring heads of regional telecom and logistics groups. The most pressing recommendation was looking towards minimizing non-tariff barriers such as overlapping policies and weak digital infrastructure. 

The second panel explored the most promising investments for capital in the ASEAN, specifically renewables and green transition projects, and the final panel presented the top strategies for regional expansion which were harmonizing procedures for a single ASEAN market and connecting strengthening regional supply chains. As the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) approaches, this meeting will guide the Council in the recommendations they will form and present to the region’s leaders in the coming months.

ABOUT ASEAN-BAC PH

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN‑BAC) is the region’s principal private sector advisory body, providing business insights and recommendations to ASEAN Leaders. It serves as the primary platform for the private sector to engage with policymakers, advocate for economic cooperation, and advance ASEAN’s integration agenda. It was founded in 2001. 

In 2026, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, led by Chair Jose Ma. “JOey” Concepcion III, alongside Members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, is the chair and host of the Council and its Dialogue Partners, ensuring that private sector priorities are integrated into regional economic development and policy initiatives.

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MEDIA NOTE: All interview requests related to ASEAN-BAC PHILIPPINES should be directed to the ASEAN-BAC PH Communications Manager, at josenatividad@gonegosyo.ph

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Website: www.aseanbac.ph

Published

September 19, 2026 at 03:39 PM

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CONCEPCION: ASEAN 2026 HOSTING MEANS PH IS READY AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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February 24, 2026, 06:40 PM

CONCEPCION: ASEAN 2026 HOSTING MEANS PH IS READY AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

As the Philippines prepares to host the annual ASEAN Summits this year, the leader of the private sector’s ASEAN representation believes that the international event presents an opportunity for the country to prove its readiness to do business with the rest of the world.“Coming on the heels of a year marked by corruption scandals, ASEAN 2026 offers the Philippines a timely chance to demonstrate our commitment to reform, accountability, and good governance,” said Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III, the chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN–BAC) for 2026. ASEAN–BAC is the official private-sector voice in ASEAN, mandated to promote regional economic integration and strengthen cooperation between business and government.A ceremony this January 29, 2026 at the Malacañang Palace will mark the official handover of the ASEAN–BAC chairship from Malaysia to the Philippines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be witnessing the turnover and delivering the keynote message, elevating the occasion to a state-level event and reflecting the Philippine Government’s strong support and leadership in public-private collaboration.

TEAM ASEAN 2026

In the photo are (from left) ASEAN–BAC council member George Barcelon, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Concepcion, the President, Marissa Concepcion, and ASEAN–BAC council member Michael Tan.

PHILIPPINES ASSUMES 2026 CHAIRSHIP OF ASEAN-BAC AT MALAYSIA HANDOVER CEREMONIES

The Philippines officially assumed the 2026 Chairship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) last October 26, 2025, as ASEAN-BAC Malaysia handed over leadership of the regional body which provides private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN’s efforts towards economic integration and identifies priority areas for consideration by ASEAN Leaders.The ASEAN-BAC Philippines delegation, headed by its chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III, and council members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, traveled to Kuala Lumpur tor the handover ceremonies held as the highlight of the ASEAN-BAC Events and Related Summits held from October 24 to 27, including the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit and the ASEAN Business Awards, and the inaugural ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit. The events are held alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit, which gathers the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.The ASEAN-BAC Philippines is expected to build on the theme “Prosperity for All”, its guiding theme at its last chairship in 2017. “There has been plenty of exchanging of ideas, and I am glad to hear how some resonate with my own views of the role of ASEAN and the private sector in bringing about inclusive, sustainable growth,” said Concepcion. “As we take on this new role, our goal is to build on this momentum, empowering MSMEs and strengthening partnerships that drive inclusive growth and food security across the region. Together, we can ensure that the ASEAN spirit of unity, innovation, and entrepreneurship continues to thrive,” said Concepcion.