Global disruptions seen to open trade opportunities for Asean – DTI

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March 10, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has an opportunity to seize new trade opportunities amid ongoing global disruptions, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

During the pre-ASEAN Business Environment Forum (ABEF) press briefing held yesterday, DTI-Foreign Trade Service Corps. executive director Benedict Uy said that recent geopolitical developments such as the Middle East conflict, the United States and China trade war, the weaponization of tariffs and the changing dynamics between former trading partners are leading to an unpredictable global trade environment.

“With such disruptions stifling progress, the same can be viewed as opportunities to capitalize and develop new trading dynamics,” he said.

He said that the ABEF, to be held tomorrow as a side event ahead of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Bonifacio Global City, is timely given the recent geopolitical developments.

The ABEF, being held in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, aims to showcase ideas and real-world practices that strengthen ASEAN’s position as an attractive destination for foreign investments.

It will feature ASEAN ministers, senior government officials and leaders from the private sector, who will be sharing insights and best practices for a strong, transparent and competitive regional business environment.

Uy said that the forum is expected to discuss how ASEAN economies are translating policy commitments to support a strong, transparent and predictable business environment.

In line with the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship theme of “Navigating Our Future Together,” he said the discussions would focus on advancing the ASEAN business environment, strengthening public-private collaboration and leveraging digitalization to promote transparency and efficiency.

These priority areas were also highlighted during the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum held last month.

During that forum, President Marcos underscored the importance of the private sector as a partner in economic development, improving the ease of doing business, eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies and leveraging digitalization to reduce corruption and accelerate progress.

To strengthen intra-ASEAN trade, Uy said previous discussions also highlighted the importance of policy stability, reducing the cost of doing business and deepening regional integration.

“While tax incentives may attract initial investments, sustained and long-term success depends on strong collaboration with local enterprises, strategic planning and effectively leveraging each country’s competitive advantages,” Uy said.