The Philippines hosted the ASEAN MSME Summit 2026 on September 21 at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City, bringing together government and business leaders from across Southeast Asia to discuss ways to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adapt, grow, and compete in a changing regional economy.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the ASEAN–Business Advisory Council (BAC) Philippines, with support from the MSME Development Council and coordination with the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs (ACCMSME) and the ASEAN Secretariat, the Summit carried the theme “Navigating the Future Together: Building Future-Ready ASEAN MSMEs.”
Strengthening The Regional MSME Ecosystem
Discussions centered on strengthening public-private partnerships, promoting inclusive business and social enterprise development, and expanding ASEAN-wide platforms for MSME growth. These priorities align with the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030, ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and Strategic Action Plan for MSME Development 2026–2030.
Participants also addressed challenges involving access to digital markets, financing, technology, and sustainable business practices, while exploring how regional agreements and initiatives can translate into more practical opportunities for MSMEs.
As host country, the Philippines unveiled five ASEAN legacy projects. These include the ASEAN Center of Excellence for MSMEs (ACE–MSMEs), a centralized platform for business programs and training; ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN) 2.0, connecting entrepreneurs with mentorship, financing, and markets; and SME Sustainability and ESG Accelerator Hubs, developed with the Global Reporting Initiative to help small businesses meet international sustainability standards.
The other initiatives are the ERIA MSME Regional Study, which gathers private-sector perspectives on financing and policy needs, and the ITC Cross-Border E-Commerce Study, designed as a practical guide for small merchants looking to sell online across ASEAN markets.
Building Future-Ready ASEAN MSMEs
Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers 2026, led the Philippine delegation and moderated the opening keynote panel on helping ASEAN MSMEs scale from local markets to the global stage.
With around 400 delegates expected from across Southeast Asia, the Summit provided a platform for policymakers, business organizations, MSMEs, digital partners, financial institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to exchange perspectives and strengthen regional cooperation toward a more innovative, resilient, and globally competitive MSME sector.
