Philippines expects digital economy pact at ASEAN summit
Manila also plans to advance the proposed ASEAN Power Grid during the November 15–17 gathering, while seeking investment and partnerships.
A regional digital economy agreement is among the outcomes the Philippines expects from the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on November 15–17, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim said. Manila also intends to use its hosting role to draw investment and strengthen partnerships, according to the Philippines News Agency (PNA).
Speaking at the UP Asian Centre, Herrera-Lim identified the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as an expected summit outcome. He described it as the first agreement worldwide to establish binding commitments for a regional digital economy.
He said the Philippines would seek progress on implementing the proposed ASEAN Power Grid. The arrangement would give member countries access to electricity generated abroad and let investors supply power from one ASEAN country to others, he said.
Hellen De La Vega, director-general for operations at the ASEAN 2026 National Organising Council, said on the Byaheng Bagong Pilipinas Podcast that Manila wanted regional policies to bring practical benefits to Filipinos. The agenda will draw on earlier Philippine-hosted discussions covering issues such as energy and food security, digital transformation, agriculture and governance of artificial intelligence.
PNA reported that leaders of every ASEAN country apart from Myanmar were confirmed to attend; Myanmar would be represented by a career diplomat. Other confirmed participants included US President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Brazil's reelected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
