From Policy to Performance: Making ASEAN Work for Business
This year’s ASEAN Business Environment Forum in Manila shared best practices, strengthened collaboration, and looked at digital pathways to boost competitiveness.
Governments across ASEAN are modernizing regulations, improving ease of doing business, and expanding digital public infrastructure. Sustained public–private dialogue has ensured reforms remain practical, scalable, and responsive to business needs.
Recent initiatives, including the Philippines’ ARTA Ease of Doing Business Convention (2024), demonstrate the growing demand for structured, results-oriented engagement between governments and the private sector.
On 11 March 2026, the ASEAN Business Environment Forum 2026 brought together policymakers, business leaders, and development partners in Manila to share best practices, strengthen collaboration, and advance ASEAN’s goal of becoming a more competitive, digitally enabled, and investment-ready region.
In partnership with ADB, the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hosted the forum at the Ascott in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Manila. It was organized as a side event of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat.
The theme of this year’s forum was “From Policy to Performance: Making ASEAN Work for Business.” The speakers included ASEAN Ministers, senior government officials, and leaders from the private sector. The opening remarks were delivered by Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque of the Philippines and ADB Vice-President Scott Morris.
