FFCCCII: 2026 ASEAN an opportunity for PH progress

The Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship this year is an “opportunity for progress,” the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said Wednesday.

In a statement, FFCCCII president Victor Lim said that the 2026 ASEAN summit must act as a platform for comprehensive Philippine socio-economic reform.

“With the gavel of ASEAN leadership now with the Philippines, this provides opportunity for  progress. Our ASEAN chairmanship must be the catalyst that translates outstanding diplomacy into tangible economic advancement for every Filipino,” he said.

“This means directing the engines of growth—tourism, foreign investment, exports, manufacturing, agriculture and regional partnership—toward building better rural communities, strengthening public education and health, and constructing the infrastructures of opportunity that connect every Filipino citizen to a brighter future,” he added.

As part of ASEAN 2026, FFCCCII will host the ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders Summit.

“The Philippines is not just 2026 Chairman of ASEAN; our country is an ideal investment destination, a nation where capital can earn returns while building legacies of progress and partnership,” Lim said.

“Let the legacy of our ASEAN chairmanship be a Philippines that is more integrated, more equitable, and more prosperous nation… The time for transformative action is now. Together, let us lead, build, and prosper,” he continued.

Earlier, the FFCCCII called for reforms and inclusive growth to help improve the Philippine economy in 2026.

Lim had called for a “disciplined, coordinated, and reform-driven action across government, business, and civil society.”

They also met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan in December 2025 to discuss opportunities in business and tourism ahead of the ASEAN Summit. JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN, GMA Integrated News