ASEAN MSME Summit 2026 advances regional agenda for future-ready businesses

Recognizing the vital role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has launched efforts to help businesses in the region become more connected, competitive, and ready for the future.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gathered government and business leaders, entrepreneurs, development partners, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders from across the region at the ASEAN MSME Summit 2026, held at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City.

Organized by DTI in partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines, with support from the MSME Development Council, in coordination with the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs (ACCMSME), and the ASEAN Secretariat, the theme "Navigating the Future Together: Building Future-Ready ASEAN MSMEs” aimed to find practical ways to strengthen the MSME ecosystem.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers 2026, led the Philippine delegation and welcomed participants to the Summit. The program featured a message of support from ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chair Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, followed by a keynote address from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on “MSMEs as Catalysts for Inclusive ASEAN Growth & Prosperity.”

Discussions started off with a fireside chat featuring Secretary Roque, moderated by journalist and host Atom Araullo.

This was followed by a keynote panel, “From Local Dreams to Global Success: How ASEAN MSMEs Level Up,” featuring business leaders from Angkas, Auro Chocolate, Suyen Corporation, and Global Food Solutions.

The Summit highlighted points on how to grow MSMEs, particularly expanding access to financing and technology, as well as the opportunities and challenges of taking a local enterprise and scaling it for regional expansion.

ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN) 2.0 - a digital hub connecting entrepreneurs to mentorship, financing, and markets

With regional cooperation, there can be even more accessible resources for MSMEs in Southeast Asia.

Growing MSMEs beyond the home market does come with major challenges like financing, adapting to new technologies, sustainability, cross-border relationships and policies. The ASEAN MSME Summit 2026 emphasizes that overcoming these require strong collaboration among governments, enterprises, financial institutions, and technology partners.

As the Philippines continues its ASEAN Chairship, the Summit reinforces the country’s commitment to helping build a more connected, resilient, sustainable, and digitally enabled MSME ecosystem, moving forward together, equipped to compete in a global market.

This is a paid press release from the Department of Trade and Industry Philippines.