Geline Salac

Marcos assures ASEAN’s commitment to uphold stability, deepen economic cooperation

Article (news)

Pia Gutierrez

ABS-CBN News

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Monday assured the private sector of ASEAN’s commitment to uphold stability and deepen economic cooperation amid concerns over global trade tensions and policy uncertainties.Speaking during the ASEAN leader’s interface with representatives of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Philippine leader assured that the regional bloc will work to ensure that trade remains both open and secure to “foster a more trusted and resilient economic environment within the region and beyond.”<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBongbongMarcos%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0TbBLnvBJBeR6PZZFPW1vGbjNFQgAd5zWuEhTVeoRK9yaAokGa2oW2pGUaR2ZPomnl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="700" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Marcos Jr’s statement comes as the region grapples with uncertainty over the imposition of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/5/26/southeast-asian-leaders-meet-to-talk-tariffs-truce-and-east-timor-0946">increased tariffs by the Trump administration</a>. This year’s ASEAN Chairman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had said that he had requested President Donald Trump to meet collectively with ASEAN countries to discuss the issue, even as countries including the Philippines have already started bilateral negotiations with the United States.The Philippine leader earlier welcomed ASEAN’s consensus to avoid retaliation and instead engage in dialogue with the United States, saying that this measured and unified approach upholds the regional bloc’s commitment to “dialogue, diplomacy, and a rules-based multilateral trading system.”In the same speech, Marcos Jr highlighted the private sector’s critical role in advancing the  ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, a comprehensive roadmap that aims to enhance trade growth, interoperability and increased participation of MSMEs in the ASEAN region.“Investments in digital infrastructure, innovation, and human capital will be key to building a digital ASEAN. Above all, we must continue to invest in our people. A digitally literate, adaptable workforce is the foundation for any progress we hope to achieve,” he said, noting that over 99% of our all businesses in the region are powered by MSMEs.The Chief Executive meanwhile commended the ASEAN-BAC’s flagship initiative to foster coordination among key stakeholders on Artificial Intelligence in the region.“The AI Engagement Platform offers a timely and strategic approach to digital governance across our region. By fostering collaboration on responsible and inclusive AI, it ensures that technological advancements benefit all segments of society,” Marcos Jr said.&quot;We fully support this initiative and recognize its potential for a future ASEAN Centre of Excellence for AI, built on innovation, ethical standards, and transparency. Such Centre can lead in shaping an AI ecosystem that empowers our people, safeguards our values, and contributes to sustainable development throughout our region,” he continued.He also lauded the council’s efforts build a dynamic and resilient workforce in the region through the ASEAN Talent Development and Mobility Initiative.“By prioritizing digital literacy, student mobility, and upskilling, this initiative will help strengthen our region’s human capital. The Philippines welcomes deeper collaboration to identify priority sectors and provide effective policy support,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Monday assured the private sector of ASEAN’s commitment to uphold stability and deepen economic cooperation amid concerns over global trade tensions and policy uncertainties.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Monday assured the private sector of ASEAN’s commitment to uphold stability and deepen economic cooperation amid concerns over global trade tensions and policy uncertainties.