The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) has expressed its commitment to work closely with ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines (ASEAN–BAC PH) as it assumes the Chairship of the ASEAN–BAC in 2026.

In a meeting last August 13, 2025 with incoming ASEAN–BACchair Jose Ma. Concepcion III, USABC President & CEO Ambassador Theodore George Osius III committed to work closely with ASEAN–BAC PH, particularly on agriculture and food security, and said it would encourage US companies to explore partnerships in smart farming and agritech.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of a reception hosted by US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson for the USABC’s visiting business delegation. Concepcion shared with Ambassador Osiusthe outcomes of the ASEAN–BAC PH’s productive meeting with ASEAN member-states and Dialogue Partners, where he underscored its two priority programs: MSME development and agriculture and food security. 

Ambassador Osius noted Concepcion’s passion for MSMEsdevelopment, as he expressed strong support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026. He also conveyed keen interest inASEAN–BAC initiatives on digital technology and artificial intelligence, and agreed to collaborate with ASEAN–BAC PHfor the MSME Summit in 2026. He also shared that the USABC is exploring holding related activities by the fourth quarter of 2025, and is open to supporting Go Negosyo’s mentorship programs. Concepcion is also the founder of the non-profit Go Negosyo, which has advocated for entrepreneurship among Filipinos for 20 years now.