The Philippines, serving as ASEAN Chair this year, is taking a lead role in deepening partnerships with the private sector to boost job creation and expand access to financial services.
The initiative focuses on accelerating infrastructure development and improving regional connectivity.
Policy direction
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go emphasized the government’s role in enabling businesses to thrive. He said authorities must ensure a stable and attractive investment environment to encourage private sector participation.
“My conviction is that the government should be an enabler of business,” Go said, underscoring the need for strong public-private collaboration.
High-level talks
Go, alongside Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr., co-chaired meetings between ASEAN finance leaders and key business groups on April 9, 2026.
These included engagements with the United States-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC), the European Union-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC), and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).
Investment focus
Discussions highlighted the potential of leveraging US expertise in public-private partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, and risk-sharing tools to fund critical infrastructure and support high-impact sectors across the region.
Digital shift
Leaders also underscored the growing importance of technology and artificial intelligence in improving efficiency, strengthening financial systems, and enhancing competitiveness in the digital economy.
EU cooperation
Citing the European Union’s strengths in digital and sustainable finance, Go called for deeper collaboration to expand financial inclusion, support small businesses, and accelerate climate action through green investments.
Inclusive growth
During talks with ASEAN-BAC, officials emphasized scaling up financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agri-food value chains, while improving regional payment systems.
Outlook
ASEAN finance leaders expressed optimism that these engagements will translate into concrete actions, stronger investments, and long-term partnerships—helping build a more integrated, resilient, and inclusive regional economy. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
