MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will promote renewable energy, minerals, semiconductors, and other key sectors as priority investment areas during the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in 2026.

In a media report, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the country’s ASEAN chairship offers a platform to showcase investment opportunities and attract foreign investors.

“During our ASEAN hosting, we aim to highlight all the sectors that are strong,” Roque told reporters. “This includes renewable energy, minerals, semiconductors, the creative economy, as well as women-led businesses, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.”

The ASEAN trade ministers meeting is scheduled for March 11 to 13 at the Shangri-La The Fort, with business delegations expected to attend. Roque said the government plans to facilitate “major business matching” to connect investors with local opportunities.

She expressed optimism that hosting the ASEAN meetings will boost trade and investments by giving foreign delegates firsthand experience of the Philippines’ business environment.

Industry leaders also noted the significance of the ASEAN chairmanship in addressing governance and reputational challenges. Alfredo Panlilio, president of the Management Association of the Philippines, said the platform can help improve investor confidence following corruption controversies in government flood control projects.

Joey Concepcion, chairman of the ASEAN-Business Advisory Council Philippines, emphasized that the country must demonstrate that it does not tolerate corruption to attract investments. “If you’re branded as a corrupt country, who’s going to come here and invest? Nobody. We want to make sure that doesn’t stick,” he said.

The DTI plans to leverage the ASEAN hosting to rebuild the country’s investment image and showcase the Philippines as a competitive and transparent investment destination.