ASEAN Eyes Long-Term Energy Security Solutions, DEFA Signing

From Niam Seet Wei

CEBU (Philippines), May 6 (Bernama) -- ASEAN is looking at medium- and long-term solutions to strengthen the region’s energy security and resilience amid global uncertainties, said the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty.

Gepty, who is also the Philippine ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Minister, said energy security is vital not only for businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), but for all sectors.

“One of them is, of course, the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), which is a long-term solution for the resilience of countries,” he told a press conference today, in conjunction with the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings held here from May 6 to 8, 2026. 

Meanwhile, Gepty said the conclusion and signing of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) will be among the key deliverables of the summit.

“In fact, our stakeholders are really looking forward to the conclusion and signing of this very important agreement, as well as initiatives that promote regional payment interconnectivity, as these are crucial for our businesses,” he said.

He said the agreement would help MSMEs access foreign markets through online platforms and establish clearer rules governing digital transactions in the region.

“Online platforms are equalisers for our MSMEs to access foreign markets.

“And I think coming up with a set of rules governing online transactions would be highly welcomed,” he added.

The Philippines assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship from Malaysia on Jan 1, 2026, with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” steering ASEAN’s priorities through three pillars: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors and People Empowerment.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will lead the Malaysian delegation to the summit here on Thursday.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, will be accompanied by wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

-- BERNAMA