MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines would prioritize enhancing trade and investment, strengthening regional supply chains, and creating business opportunities across Southeast Asia as the country assumed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations–Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) Chairship for 2026.
“Under the Philippine Chairship, we place strong emphasis on building economic corridors that expand trade and investment, strengthen regional supply chains, and open doors of opportunity for businesses and communities across Asean,” the President said during the handover ceremony in Malacañang.
Marcos said the Philippines remained fully committed to supporting Asean-BAC’s plans and programs in the year ahead, guided by the theme of its Asean 2026 Chairship, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
“We will continue to provide platforms for dialogue and partnership by bringing together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and innovators,” the President said.
“And in doing so, we deepen regional cooperation, we strengthen confidence in Asean, and support the crucial work of the Asean-BAC," he added.
