With its dynamic MSME sector, the Philippines is being positioned as the site of the ASEAN region’s first hub for MSME Development. ASEAN Business Advisory Council–Philippines (ASEAN BAC PH)chair Joey Concepcion recently met with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Usec. Allan Gepty to seek the DTI’s support and guidance for the establishment of an ASEAN Centre for MSME Development, which will be a regional government and private sector initiative.

The ASEAN Centre for MSME Development is envisioned to serve as a physical center for entrepreneurship mentors, a hub for capacity-building, and a way to help expand the network of MSMEs while increasing their knowledge of best practices. It is also hoped that the centre will increase the awareness of the ASEAN among ordinary Filipinos, especially as the country is set to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026.  With Concepcion was Ambassador Delia Albert and ASEAN BAC PH Executive Director Gil Gonzales.

Concepcion, who is also the founder of the non-profit Go Negosyo which has advocated for entrepreneurship among Filipinos for 20 years now, said that the cooperation between government and private sector in MSME development puts the country in an ideal position to host the center. If realized, the center will be the Philippines’s second such regional center for excellence, the other being the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

The Philippines chairmanship in 2026 is seen as an opportune time for the Philippines to launch the center as it aligns with the DTI’s priority agendas. The centre will be one of the legacy projects of the Philippines chairmanship in 2026, along with initiatives in food security and women entrepreneurs. Proponents of the initiative will next present the concept, and once approved, will secure a declaration from ASEAN leaders.