As we host the ASEAN’s 50th anniversary, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council is hosting the first “Prosperity for All Summit” on April 28 at the City of Dreams Manila. With the theme “Driving Growth Through Micro and Small Entrepreneurs in Trade, Services and Agriculture,” the summit aims to pursue genuine and inclusive growth and prosperity for all ASEAN citizens. At the heart of this summit are the MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) where the majority remain within the poverty line and whose means of livelihood and economic future remain uncertain despite developments in the establishment of the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community).

We all know that 99.6 percent of the businesses in the Philippines are micro, small, and medium enterprises. It is a must for all of us to create an enabling environment where enterprises will be empowered to improve their products and services and compete not just in the ASEAN market but also globally.

We have invited speakers from all 10 ASEAN countries. I am glad to share with you that Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak and Thailand Prime Minister, retired General Prayut Chan-o-cha, have both confirmed their attendance. As we get closer to the date of the event, we are positive that we can get more leaders to attend.