PH kicks off ASEAN-BAC 2026 chairmanship; support for MSMEs, digital economy pushed

Business leaders called for stronger support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), digital innovation, and regional sustainability, as the Philippines soft-launched its 2026 chairmanship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) during a landmark regional retreat in Makati City this week.

- 

The first-ever ASEAN-BAC Retreat, held July 7-8, gathered council members from across Southeast Asia, alongside diplomats, government officials, and development partners.

With the theme, “Reimagining ASEAN-BAC,” the Council’s chair for 2026, Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, said the event was aimed at charting a long-term strategic direction for the council, which serves as the private sector’s voice in ASEAN policymaking.

“We envision an ASEAN where no one is left behind—where digital innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship fuel inclusive growth that uplifts people, empowers communities, and benefits all nations,” he said.

Concepcion emphasized the need to make ASEAN relevant to the daily lives of ordinary citizens, particularly small entrepreneurs, women, youth, and farmers.