Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., accompanied by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque, signed on May 26 the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future. This pivotal declaration charts the region’s unified direction over the next two decades, reflecting a renewed commitment to fostering a more resilient, forward-looking, and people-first Southeast Asia.

The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 emphasized the development of a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered region, equipped to navigate digital disruption, climate change, demographic shifts, and evolving geopolitical realities. This comprehensive roadmap builds upon previous ASEAN blueprints, adapting to the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly complex global environment.

Central to the declaration is the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026-2030. This five-year economic blueprint is designed to position ASEAN as the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030.

Supported by over 190 concrete measures, the plan outlines six strategic goals. These include: (i) an Action-Oriented Community, (ii) a Sustainable Community, (iii) an Enterprising, Bold, and Innovative Community, (iv) an Adaptable and Proactive Community, (v) a Nimble and Resilient Community, and (vi) an Inclusive, Participatory, and Collaborative Community.

Developed through an inclusive and region-wide consultative process, the AEC Strategic Plan drew insights from all AEC sectoral bodies and was enriched by inputs from the ASEAN Community’s political-security and socio-cultural pillars. The plan captures the perspectives of 315 stakeholders, from business, academia, civil society, parliaments, and ASEAN’s external partners, who participated in a series of dialogues and technical consultations.

The Plan also echoes the public sentiment, with a comprehensive survey of 7,568 from citizens across ASEAN member-states and Timor-Leste. This is to ensure that the aspirations and concerns of the ordinary Southeast Asians are properly taken into account in shaping the region’s economic path.

For the Philippines, the ASEAN Vision 2045 presents greater opportunities for Filipino businesses, MSMEs, and workers. These include improved market access, enhanced digital trade facilitation, and greater support for sustainable and creative industries.  Consumers are also set to benefit from stronger product standards, broader access to goods and services, and enhanced regional consumer protection, among others.

As the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines will play a leading role in spearheading the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The chairship carries both a significant responsibility and a unique opportunity to influence regional priorities, champion inclusive growth, and ensure ASEAN’s progress directly benefits the lives of everyday people, especially in communities that need it most.

The Philippines stands ready to help turn this bold vision into reality, building a region that grows together, competes globally, and leaves no one behind.

The full ASEAN Community Vision 2045 is available here. ♦

Date of Release: 29 May 2025

Related posts:

DTI, San Miguel highlight packaging’s critical role in MSME growth Trade Chief welcomes pact to elevate quality in PH IT-BPM sector DTI champions PH social entrepreneurship to drive inclusive growth, sustainable development at NSEC 2025 DTI outlines support to boost Bicol’s Halal industry, taps Muslim leaders as key partners DTI’s “OKB” fair spotlights Bicol finest at Shangri-La DTI, DepEd ink MOA to promote youth entrepreneurship in Western Visayas farm schools DTI boosts Sultan Kudarat coffee farmers with new machinery, skills under RAPID Growth BAHANDI Women’s Trade Fair 2025: Showcasing Eastern Visayas’ best products, empowering women entrepreneurs