ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will join regional ministers at the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Taguig, Philippines on 13 March 2026. The meeting will focus on economic cooperation and future growth in the region.
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead a delegation from the ASEAN Secretariat to participate in the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat 2026 in Taguig, the Philippines.
The meeting will take place on 13 March 2026 and is being hosted by the Philippines as Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting for 2026. The retreat is held at the invitation of H.E. Ma. Christina A. Roque, Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Republic of the Philippines.
The annual retreat brings together ASEAN economic ministers and senior officials to discuss key economic developments and strengthen regional cooperation.
This year’s discussions will focus on the global and regional economic outlook and the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for its 2026 Chairmanship. The initiatives fall under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” which highlights ASEAN’s commitment to collaboration and sustainable growth.
Ministers will also review the performance of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and examine progress on several important regional initiatives.
One major topic is the negotiation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to strengthen digital trade and economic cooperation across Southeast Asia.
The retreat will also discuss Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN economic agreements, an important step toward deeper regional integration.
In addition, ASEAN leaders will review the bloc’s external economic relations and explore ways to enhance partnerships with global institutions and partners.
During the retreat, ASEAN ministers will hold dialogue sessions with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). These discussions aim to gather insights from the business community and economic experts to support ASEAN’s growth and development.
The retreat is expected to strengthen economic collaboration among ASEAN member states and help shape policies that support a more connected, resilient, and competitive regional economy.
Source: ASEAN
