Building on a shared vision for a more integrated and future-ready region, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cris A. Roque chaired the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting Retreat on March 14, 2026.
The high-level gathering brought together economic leaders from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to synchronize regional priorities and fortify defenses against a volatile global economic landscape.
The retreat served as a critical strategic session to reinforce ASEAN’s economic sovereignty. Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, Secretary Roque emphasized the necessity of sustaining open, transparent, and rules-based markets.
“Our strength lies in our unity,” stated Secretary Roque. “As we face evolving global challenges, ASEAN must remain a bastion of stability. By reinforcing our cooperation today, we ensure that our regional supply chains are not just functional, but unbreakable.”
As the current Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines unveiled its Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for 2026. These initiatives are designed to accelerate the region’s trajectory toward becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030. The roadmap focuses on three strategic pillars:
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Deepened Economic Integration: Reducing non-tariff barriers and streamlining customs procedures to facilitate seamless intra-regional trade.
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Digital Transformation: Harmonizing digital standards to allow MSMEs to scale across borders effortlessly.
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Supply Chain Reinforcement: Diversifying sourcing and logistics hubs to protect against global shocks.
A primary focus of the retreat was the acceleration of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Ministers underscored that DEFA is the “cornerstone” of the region’s modernization, projected to double the value of the digital economy to $2 trillion by 2030.
Negotiations are being fast-tracked to cover digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, cybersecurity, and emerging AI governance. This framework aims to provide a secure and interoperable environment for businesses and consumers alike.
The 32nd AEM Retreat concluded with a renewed commitment to the ASEAN Power Grid and Circular Economy initiatives, ensuring that regional growth remains both sustainable and inclusive. These discussions set the stage for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, where heads of state are expected to ratify several of the frameworks discussed during this session.
