The 14th Asian Business Summit was held in Manila on July 3–4, 2025, marking 11 years since the Philippines first hosted the summit in 2014. This year’s event was co-organized by the Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), bringing together business leaders from over 12 economies for meaningful intra-regional dialogue.
Ahead of the summit discussions, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the heads of delegation during a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace on July 3. In his remarks, the President emphasized the importance of interdependence and strengthened cooperation amid ongoing challenges in the global economy.
On July 4, delegates convened at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for the main sessions of the 14th Asian Business Summit. Mr. Richard Albert I. Osmond, PHILJEC Chairman, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing this year’s theme: “Towards Strengthening Asian Economic Cooperation in Challenging Times.” Mr. Masayuki Hyodo, Vice Chairman of Keidanren, also addressed the assembly, raising critical issues currently confronting the Asian region.
The Summit tackled four thematic plenary sessions that focused on key regional economic challenges and opportunities. Following the discussions, a Joint Statement was released, affirming the delegates’ shared commitment to achieving sustainable growth through enhanced trade, investment, innovation, and human resource development across the region.
The Joint Statement highlighted four priority areas:
- Strengthening the Rules-Based International Economic Order
The Summit stressed the importance of maintaining a free, open, and rules-based international economic system. Given heightened fragilities of global supply chains and the increasingly complex geopolitical ecosystem, the role of plurilateral and bilateral Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in advancing trade and investment throughout Asia were emphasized. - SePromoting Green Transformation through Diverse Pathways
In response to increasing fossil fuel dependency and the intensifying impacts of climate change, the Summit called for the promotion of green transformation initiatives. These are deemed vital to achieving a decarbonized and sustainable future for the region. - Fostering Innovation through AI and Start-up Development
The role of innovation – particularly generative AI – was recognized as both transformative and disruptive for society and the global and regional economy. The Summit advocated for the establishment of international rules regarding customs duties on electronic transmissions and the promotion of a secure cyberspace. The need to cultivate a vibrant start-up ecosystem through regulatory reform and streamlined processes was also emphasized. - Enhancing Regional Strength through Human Resource Development
The Summit encouraged the development of diverse human capital via exchange programs, new educational models, cultural immersion opportunities, and the easing of residency requirements. It also proposed the mutual recognition of professional licenses and qualifications, alongside the conclusion of social security agreements, to support greater mobility and integration.
Following the conclusion of the plenary sessions, a ceremonial handover was conducted to formally pass the responsibility to the next host of the Asian Business Summit – the Singapore Business Federation. Final remarks were then delivered, after which the meeting was officially adjourned.
That evening, a farewell dinner was held, attended by several foreign dignitaries accredited to the Philippines, as well as local government officials. Among those present were:
- His Excellency Agus Widjojo, the Ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia
- His Excellency Kazuya Endo, the Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Japan
- Her Excellency Constance See, the Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila
- Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Royal Thai Embassy, Manila
- The Honorable Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
- Ms. Hyun-Jung Jung, Economic Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Philippines
- Ms. Kay Thew Khine, Economic Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
- Mr. Jeevan Kandpal, Second Secretary (Economic & Commerce Wing) of the Embassy of India, Manila
- Atty. Allan B. Gepty, Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry
- Ms. Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay, Commercial Counsellor of DTI-PTIC
- Mr. Paul Vincent L. Uy, Assistant Secretary (Office of International Economic Relations) of the Department of Foreign Affairs
References:
Opening Remarks of Mr. Richard Osmond
Joint Statement
Photos
Presidential Communications Office
Keidanren
