PH assumes 2026 EABC chairmanship

The EABC was established in 2004 to foster economic integration among Asean+3 nations (Asean, China, Japan and Korea). Cebu-based Filipino entrepreneur and former Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Jay Yuvallos will serve as EABC chairman and Japanese business leader Tetsuya Matsuoka as co-chairman. For this year, the EABC set three priorities with the theme, “Reinforcing Trust, Integration and Sustainability in the East Asia Economic Architecture.” The first is to advance the principle of sustainability. “Many companies, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, want to participate meaningfully in the sustainability transition, but face constraints in cost, capability and access to practical guidance,” Yuvallos said in his speech. The second priority is to strengthen regional value chain integration and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) utilization. “The RCEP framework offers strong potential, but its impact depends on how effectively companies can use it in practice. We hope to continue supporting efforts that improve awareness, simplify processes and strengthen confidence among businesses,” Yuvallos said. He hopes the RCEP becomes a tool delivering clear commercial value, particularly for smaller firms. It has the potential to open opportunities for businesses in the East Asia region, Yuvallo said, since 16 RCEP participating countries make up almost half of the world’s population, contributing about 30 percent of global gross domestic product and over a quarter of world exports. The RCEP, Yuvallo noted, will provide a framework aimed at lowering trade barriers and securing improved market access for goods and services for businesses in the region through: – Recognition of Asean centrality in the emerging regional economic architecture and the interests of Asean’s FTA partners in enhancing economic integration and strengthening economic cooperation among the participating countries;– Facilitation of trade and investment and enhanced transparency between participating countries, as well as facilitation of SMEs’ engagements in global and regional supply chains; and broaden and deepen Asean’s economic engagements with its FTA partners.The third priority is to reinforce investor confidence.“EABC will continue to support policy dialogue that promotes good governance, clearer operating rules and a stronger overall environment for long-term business planning and cross border investment,” Yuvallos said.The 2026 EABC Chairmanship will likewise continue initiatives that provide evidence and insight for policy engagement, including the EABC JETRO Business Outlook Survey and the East Asia Business Forum, which remain important platforms for bringing business perspectives directly into regional discussions, Yuvallo said. “Ultimately, EABC’s role is to keep our engagement practical and solutions-oriented, and to ensure that regional cooperation translates into real improvements for companies on the ground,” he stressed.The creation of the EABC enabled it to represent the private sector in advancing regional integration and cooperation. Its mandate is to foster economic cooperation, build stronger businesses across East Asia via trade promotion, investment and collaboration, and support inclusive, sustainable and innovative growth for businesses across the region.