Introduction

In 2026, the Philippines will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” reflecting its commitment to lead ASEAN with unity, clarity, and purpose at a time of significant opportunity and evolving global challenges. Concurrently, the Philippines will also lead the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), ASEAN’s apex private-sector body, helping shape the region’s economic agenda through practical initiatives that advance integration and cooperation.

As the first Canadian organisation officially associated with ASEAN, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) is committed to supporting the Philippines’ Chairmanship and ASEAN-BAC leadership year by facilitating policy-relevant dialogue and strengthening business-to-business and public–private collaboration.

This virtual session, co-hosted by CABC and ASEAN BAC Philippines, will provide business leaders and stakeholders with an overview of the Philippines’ priorities for ASEAN and ASEAN-BAC in 2026, including key economic deliverables. The webinar will feature perspectives from Philippine and Canadian government and business leaders, and will also create space for dialogue on how Canadian companies can partner with Philippine and ASEAN counterparts in support of the Chairmanship agenda.

The discussion will focus on practical collaboration opportunities aligned with the Philippines’ 2026 priorities, particularly under the prosperity corridors, including economic integration, digital transformation, and inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all ASEAN peoples.

Objectives

• To brief the business community and stakeholders on the Philippines' priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2026, with a focus on key areas of interest for trade and investment.

• To explore the strategic initiatives that the Philippines intends to champion during its tenure, and how these may affect bilateral and regional trade, innovation, and business relations.

• To facilitate an open dialogue between ASEAN and Canadian business leaders, enabling the exchange of insights, opportunities, and potential challenges for businesses operating in both markets.

To foster collaboration and strengthen economic partnerships between Canada and ASEAN, especially in the context of the Philippines’ leadership in 2026.

Video recording

Agenda

09:00 - 09:05 AM Welcome Remarks by Wayne Farmer, President of CABC (confirmed)

09:05 - 09:15 AM Keynote Remarks and Presentation from the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines by H.E. Alan Gepty, Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines (confirmed)

09:15 - 09:25 AM Briefing on ASEAN-BAC’s priorities and legacy projects in 2026 by Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) 2026 (confirmed)

09:25 - 10:00 AM Discussion on Priority Sector for Canada-ASEAN and Canada-Philippines Collaboration in 2026: Agriculture & Agrifood, Sustainable Energy, and Education

This discussion session aims to identify and align priority sectors for enhanced collaboration between Canada, ASEAN, and the Philippines in 2026. Focusing on agriculture and agri-food, sustainable energy, and education, the session will examine shared opportunities, complementary strengths, and evolving policy priorities that can further strengthen bilateral and regional partnerships.

Representatives from Philippine and Canadian institutions will share insights into their respective organizations’ contributions to food security, sustainable energy development, and human capital advancement. The discussion will also highlight practical areas for collaboration between Canada and the Philippines, with the objective of generating concrete ideas and momentum for future joint initiatives.

Moderator: H.E. Ambra Dickie, Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN (Confirmed)

Speakers:

• William Dar, Senior Advisor of ASEAN BAC Philippines (confirmed) 

• Jay Layug, President of the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent, Inc. (confirmed) 

• Jenna Ramirez, North Alberta Institute of Technology (confirmed) 

10:00 - 10:25 AM Q&A facilitated by the CABC

10:25 - 10:30 AM Closing remarks by H.E. David Hartman, Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines (Confirmed)