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Concepcion: Private sector a formidable force in ASEAN

[16 OCTOBER 2026 | MANILA ] - ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) chair Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III said the private sector remains a formidable force in economic development, not just here in the Philippines, but also in the ASEAN region. The Go Negosyo founder reiterated the role of business in his special message during the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo last October 13, 2026 at the Manila Hotel. 

The event, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN-BAC and PCCI. The MOU set the framework for collaboration to support innovation, regional integration, MSME development, and enhanced ASEAN-private sector connectivity through joint programs and initiatives.

The private sector he said, will play a key role in crucial areas like MSME development, food security, and digital transformation as these issues weigh on ASEAN’S economic integration. 

“This is the power of the private sector, and one that closely reflects the PCCI’s focus on empowering business for a resilient future,” he said, as he pointed out the shared goals of ASEAN-BAC, the region’s premier platform for private sector engagement with the region’s leaders, and PCCI, the largest business organization in the Philippines representing the interests of the private sector and advocating for trade, industry development, and economic growth. PCCI Chairman Emeritus George Barcelon and PCCI Agriculture and Food Security Committee Chairman Michael Tan also serve as council members of ASEAN-BAC.

ABOUT ASEAN-BAC
The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) was established by ASEAN Leaders in 2003 as the premier private-sector body of ASEAN. It provides private-sector feedback and guidance to support ASEAN’s economic integration, and its members are business leaders appointed by each ASEAN Member State. ASEAN-BAC’s 2026 theme under the Philippines’ chairmanship is “Navigating Our Future Together: Advancing Prosperity for All”. Serving as chair for ASEAN-BAC in 2026 is Go Negosyo founder Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III.

Published

October 16, 2026 at 10:31 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.