ASEAN economic ministers discuss DEFA, regional priorities, and economic integration at AEM Retreat in Philippines
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, participated in the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat (AEM Retreat) held in Taguig, Philippines. The meeting focused on advancing ASEAN’s economic priorities and strengthening regional cooperation.
Image by ASEAN
The Retreat was chaired by Ma Christina A Roque, Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines and Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting in 2026. The session brought together economic ministers and senior officials to discuss developments under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
During the discussions, Ministers expressed support for ASEAN’s economic priorities under the Philippines’ 2026 Chairmanship, guided by the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” They exchanged views on regional and global economic developments, as well as initiatives to enhance AEC performance monitoring.
Key agenda items included the progress of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN economic agreements, and ASEAN’s external economic relations. These discussions reflected ongoing efforts to strengthen economic integration and regional resilience.
The meeting was preceded by 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), providing inputs from the private sector, research institutions, and development partners.
The Retreat reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to advancing economic integration, strengthening cooperation with stakeholders, and addressing emerging challenges in the regional and global economic landscape.
Source: ASEAN
