DTI Rallies Regional MSMEs for a Future-Ready ASEAN at the ASEAN MSME Summit 2026
Summit convened with support from ACCMSME, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN-BAC, and PH MSME Development Council
The DTI ASEAN MSME Summit brought together MSMEs, business leaders, and industry stakeholders from across the region, highlighting opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and stronger regional connections.
The Philippines hosted the ASEAN MSME Summit 2026 last 21 September 2026 at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City, 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 in coordination with the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs (ACCMSME) and the ASEAN Secretariat.
Under the theme “Navigating the Future Together: Building Future-Ready ASEAN MSMEs,” the Summit brought together government and business leaders from across the region to discuss ways to help MSMEs grow, adapt, and compete in a changing regional economy.
The Summit focused on strengthening the MSME ecosystem through public-private partnerships, promoting inclusive business and social enterprise development, and operationalizing ASEAN-wide platforms for MSME growth—aligned with key priorities under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and the Strategic Action Plan for MSME Development (SAP MSMED) 2026–2030.
Discussions addressed persistent challenges faced by MSMEs across Southeast Asia, including access to digital markets, financing, technology, and support for businesses adopting more sustainable practices. Participants also explored how regional agreements and initiatives could provide more practical support and opportunities for MSMEs on the ground.
As host country, the Philippines unveiled five ASEAN legacy projects designed to help advance the region’s MSMEs. Three serve as platforms for growth: the ASEAN Center of Excellence for MSMEs (ACE–MSMEs), a centralized platform making ASEAN business programs and training easier to access; the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN) 2.0, an upgraded digital hub connecting entrepreneurs to mentorship, financing, and markets; and the SME Sustainability and ESG Accelerator Hubs, specialized training hubs developed with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to help small firms meet international sustainability standards.
Rounding out the lineup were two knowledge-driven initiatives: the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia’s (ERIA) MSME Regional Study, which captures direct private-sector feedback on financing and policy needs; and the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Cross-Border E-Commerce Study, a practical playbook designed to help small merchants sell online across ASEAN borders.
Through plenary sessions and policy dialogues, the Summit provided a platform for government leaders, ASEAN officials, business leaders, MSMEs, development partners, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing MSMEs across the region.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque, Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers 2026, led the Philippine delegation in key discussions and moderated the opening keynote panel on how ASEAN MSMEs can scale from local markets to the global stage.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque
The Summit brought together delegates from across Southeast Asia, including trade ministers, MSME representatives, business organizations, digital partners, financing institutions, and other stakeholders, reinforcing the shared commitment to building a more innovative, resilient, and globally competitive MSME sector across the region.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers 2026, will lead the Philippine delegation in key discussions and moderate the opening keynote panel on how ASEAN MSMEs can scale from local markets to the global stage.
About 400 delegates from across Southeast Asia are expected to attend the Summit, including trade ministers, MSME representatives, business organizations, digital partners, and financing institutions.
(L-R) Edgar Doerig, Ambassador-Designate of Switzerland; Mariann Ruud Hagen; Kristian Netland, Ambassador of Norway; Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, Chair, ASEAN Business Advisory; DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque; Escipion Oliveira Gomez,