Manila, 25 November 2025: The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN–BAC) and ERIA signed ‘Addendum I to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Promotion and Fast-Tracking of the ASEAN Economic Community’s Trade and Investment Policy Agenda and Action Plan’, marking a strengthened phase of collaboration ahead of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026.

The Addendum was signed by ASEAN–BAC 2026 Chair Joey Concepcion III and ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe, reaffirming ERIA’s role as Knowledge Partner for the Philippines’ upcoming Chairship. The renewed commitment builds on the productive partnership established since 2023 and reflects a shared recognition that business leadership and community engagement are integral to ASEAN’s future economic growth.

Under this expanded co-operation framework, ERIA will maintain and deepen its engagement with the private sector, with a strong focus on MSME development, food security, digital transformation, and the region’s energy transition. These priority areas align with the Philippines’ vision for an inclusive, innovative, and resilient ASEAN Economic Community in 2026.