On September 19, 2026, the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM 58) was held in Manila, the Philippines, under the chairmanship of Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, which holds the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. The Vietnamese delegation to the meeting comprised representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the programme, AEM 58 and related meetings are being held from September 19 to 22, 2026, in Manila, the Philippines.

Advancing ASEAN economic integration

The AEM 58 took place as regional and global economies continued to face a range of uncertainties, including geopolitical and geoeconomic developments, tensions in the Middle East, shifts in global trade and investment policies, and risks of disruptions to supply chains. Despite these challenges, the ASEAN economy continued to demonstrate resilience, growing by 4.9% in 2025 and projected to expand by 4.5% in 2026. ASEAN merchandise trade increased by 13.7% in 2025 to USD 4.4 trillion, while foreign direct investment inflows into the region rose by 10.1% to USD 245.7 billion.

At the meeting, the Ministers focused on a number of key issues, including regional and global economic developments and outlooks; the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030; the implementation of the Philippines’ 2026 Priority Economic Deliverables and annual economic priorities under its ASEAN Chairmanship; trade in goods and services, investment, trade facilitation and customs; the digital economy, MSMEs and sustainable development; ASEAN’s economic relations with its partners; the endorsement of recommendations from the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration; and measures to respond to economic uncertainties and instability in the region and globally.

The meeting recorded several important outcomes, notably:

First, preparations are underway for the early implementation of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). The implementation of the upgraded ATIGA is expected to facilitate the movement of goods, enhance transparency and predictability for businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby promoting intra-ASEAN trade and strengthening ASEAN as a single market and production base.

Second, negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) have been concluded, paving the way for its signing on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit in November 2026. DEFA will help shape the future of the region’s digital economy, strengthen ASEAN’s position as a leading hub for digital growth, innovation and investment, and contribute to establishing a more integrated, competitive and trusted ASEAN digital market. It will also create greater opportunities for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to participate more deeply in the region’s digital economy.

Third, positive progress has been made in advancing initiatives on trade facilitation, customs connectivity, investment, intellectual property, competition and sustainable development. The meeting welcomed Viet Nam’s completion of the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) Referencing Report, making Viet Nam the fifth ASEAN Member State to complete the process.

Strengthening cooperation and economic resilience

Representatives of the Vietnamese side emphasized that as the international economic environment remains complex and unpredictable, ASEAN should continue to uphold solidarity and its centrality, strengthen collective responses to regional and global uncertainties, reinforce economic resilience, and further harness the strength of the ASEAN market. Viet Nam stressed that these priorities have become increasingly important amid risks related to energy, food security and supply chains, as well as rapid changes in global trade and investment policies.

Viet Nam supported ASEAN’s continued efforts to deepen intra-regional economic integration and effectively implement existing economic commitments, including the early implementation of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA); the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and its implementation in accordance with the agreed roadmap; as well as stronger supply chain connectivity, market and partner diversification, and the maintenance of a transparent, stable and predictable trade and investment environment.

Viet Nam also called on ASEAN to strengthen information sharing, assess emerging economic risks and enhance coordination among specialized agencies in order to improve the region’s capacity to proactively respond to external shocks and developments.

The AEM 58 concluded successfully with the handover of the chairmanship of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting from the Philippines to Singapore, which will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. In the following days, the Vietnamese delegation will continue to participate in the Consultations between ASEAN Economic Ministers and Dialogue Partners, as well as other activities under the framework of AEM 58.