Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin attended the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (58th AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings from September 17 to 22, 2026 in Manila, the Philippines, chaired by Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippines Ma Cristina A Roque.
At the 58th AEM Meeting, the ministers noted that ASEAN’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience, despite uncertainties arising from the Middle East crisis and global geo-economic uncertainties.
The ministers emphasised the importance of deepening regional economic integration, strengthening supply chain resilience, promoting investment, and advancing cooperation on emerging economic issues to sustain ASEAN’s growth momentum and long-term competitiveness amidst an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The ministers also affirmed ASEAN’s strong commitment to the successful implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
To this end, the meeting adopted the AEC Sectoral Plans to guide the delivery of the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030, in support of ASEAN’s aspiration to sustain high-quality growth and strengthen its position as a major player in the global economy.
The ministers welcomed the substantial progress in the implementation of the 2026 Priority Economic Deliverables (PED), which include the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) scheduled at the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit in November 2026.
The ASEAN DEFA will provide a stronger foundation for a more integrated, inclusive, competitive, and trusted digital economy, helping businesses, particularly the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), participate more easily in the region’s digital economy and enabling seamless cross-border digital transactions. The meeting also welcomed the signing of the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Investment Agreement (AHKIA) on September 20, 2026. The Protocol is envisioned to enhance transparency for investors from ASEAN and Hong Kong, China.
During the 58th AEM – 40th ASEAN Free Trade Area Council Meeting, the ministers noted an increase in the utilisation rate of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and welcomed the continued implementation of trade facilitative measures, including the full implementation of the electronic Form D (e-Form D) and the ASEAN-wide Self-certification scheme, that facilitate the seamless movement of goods and access to preferential tariff treatment.
The ministers also welcomed the Declaration on the Provisional Application of the Second Protocol to Amend the ATIGA (Upgraded ATIGA) which will facilitate the early entry into-force of the Upgraded ATIGA within 2026 to realise the benefits of the Upgraded ATIGA by facilitating the seamless movement of goods, enhancing transparency and predictability for businesses, especially MSMEs across the region.
At the 58th AEM – 29th ASEAN Investment Area Council Meeting, the ministers welcomed the signing of the Fifth Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) by all parties and the official adoption of the ASEAN Sustainable Investment Guidelines (ASIG).
The meeting also welcomed the good progress of several investment initiatives such as the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan (RIPAP) as well as the launching of the new InvestASEAN website and ‘Investment Ready Projects: A Guide for Investment Promotion Agencies’.
The ministers also discussed the ASEAN Investment Report 2026 on ‘Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Intangibles Development’ and the ‘Review of Investment Policies in ASEAN’.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf participated in the 24th AEM – ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Consultation where the meeting discussed ASEAN-BAC’s policy recommendations on supply chain and trade facilitation, the digital economy, circular economy and sustainability, as well as its legacy projects.
The ministers also held a consultation with Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Darren Tang, where they discussed the progress of the ASEANWIPO Memorandum of Understanding and strategic areas of cooperation in Intellectual Property, as well as the impact of intangible assets and integrating Intellectual Property into the digital and creative economies that could enable businesses, research institutions and creators protect and commercialise their innovations, attract investment and expand into regional and international markets.
At the meetings, the ministers welcomed the status of economic cooperation efforts and deliberated the implementation or negotiations of ASEAN’s FTAs with Dialogue Partners – Australia and New Zealand; Canada; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China; India; Japan; and Republic of Korea.
During the 31st AEM-Closer Economic Relations Consultation, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf briefed the meeting as the ASEAN Country Coordinator and expressed his satisfaction with the work related to the implementation of the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf expressed his appreciation to Australia and New Zealand for their continued commitment in supporting the AANZFTA implementation through technical and financial assistance under the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative.
In addition, he urged on the remaining parties to expedite their domestic procedures to ratify the Second Protocol to Amend the AANZFTA to enable traders, businesses, and investors from ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand to benefit from the upgraded agreement.
The ministers also convened the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting, co-chaired by Vice Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri and Dr Shane Reti, MP, Member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, New Zealand Parliament.
Among others, the ministers underscored the important role of the RCEP Agreement in advancing regional economic integration and welcomed the positive progress towards expanding RCEP membership.
The ministers approved the recommendation of the RCEP Joint Committee to establish an ad hoc Accession Working Group to advance the accession process for Hong Kong, China; Sri Lanka; Chile; and Bangladesh. As for Uruguay, the meeting noted its interest to accede to the Agreement in February 2026, which will be given due consideration as appropriate.
The meeting also noted the preparations for the 2027 General Review of the RCEP Agreement, which will provide an opportunity to further strengthen and enhance the agreement in line with emerging regional and global economic developments.
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/James Kon
Venues
Audience Ceremony with Coordinating Minister for Public Affairs and Minister for Defence, Republic of Singapore
His Royal Highness receives in Audience Coordinating Minister for Public Affairs and Minister for Defence, Republic of Singapore
Congratulatory Messages on Occasion of Malaysia's 68th Anniversary of Independence Day
Congratulatory Messages on the Occasion of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam's National Day 80th Anniversary
Registration for National Level Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Memorisation and Its Understanding 1447 Hijrah
Course Closing Ceremony, Pengiran Anak Puteri Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Religious School
Tahlil Ceremony in conjunction with 50th Anniversary of Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day
Inauguration Of Establishment of Johor Islamic Religious Council & Multaqa Ulama' Darul Ta'zim
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of Republic of Korea's National Foundation Day
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri's Birthday Celebration
Audience Ceremony with The Secretary of National Defence of the Republic of the Philippines
Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony in conjunction with Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri
Audience Ceremony with Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri
Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony in conjunction with the Ruby Jubilee of the Islamic Da'wah Centre
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Audience Ceremony
Prizes Presentation, National Preliminary Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading Competition for Adults
Khatam Al-Qur'am Ceremony in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Television Services, RTB
Congratulatory Message on the occasion of the Republic of Turkiye's 102nd Republic Day
Sales Festival in conjunction with the Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen Day Celebration
Message of Condolences following the Tragic Incident of a Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crash
RB awarded 2026 APEX Four Star Major Airline & 2026 APEX Best in Seat Comfort Award for East Asia
Meeting of the Steering Committee with the Sectoral Committees for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Silver Jubilee Celebration, 25th Anniversary of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah watches Fencing Event of Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah presents the Gold Medals, Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
Certification Application for Religious Teaching, Al-Qur'an, and Lectures 1st Session of 2026
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Republic of Singapore Audience Ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China Audience Ceremony
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Republic of Singapore Audience Ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China Audience Ceremony
Launching of Guideline Book on Addressing Harassment at the Workplace in the Public Service
Messages of Condolences following the recent fire at Wang Fuk Court Residential Complex
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand
Nine To Four Run in conjunction with 'Ke Temburong Bisai Programme: Borneo Bike Gathering Edition'
Message of Condolences following the Terrorist Attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Their Majesties will attend a Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents in United Kingdom and Ireland
Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents of Brunei in United Kingdom and Ireland
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the 42nd Anniversary of Kampung Sungai Besar Mosque
Message of Congratulations on the occasion of Republic of the Union of Myanmar's 78th Independence Day
Working Visit by Ministry of Religious Affairs Delegation for the Admission of Sanah 5 Students
Exhibition Match in conjunction with Peak x UNIKLEARN Pickleball Charity Championship 2026
His Majesty will be Taking Rest, Limited Presence at National and Official Ceremonies
Sovereign's Parade Ceremony of the 24th Intake of the Officer Cadet School, Defence Academy, RBAF
Discipline and Self-Resilience are the Core of the Success of 24th Intake of Officer Cadets
Sunat Hajat Prayer, Reading of Surah Yasin and Special Doa, Brunei Darussalam Students Overseas
Official Academic Visit by Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia at Islamic Da'wah Centre
Commemorative Products Press Conference in conjunction with Diamond Jubilee Wedding Anniversary
Brunei-Cambridge G.C.E. 'O' Level and IGCSE Examination Results for October/November 2025 Session
Agreement Signing between Warisan Shipping Line and DP World Logistics Malaysia Sendirian Berhad
Message of Congratulations on Occasion of the Islamic Republic of Iran's National Day
Tahlil Ceremony and Appointment Letter Presentation, Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
Presentation of Appreciation Certificates and Apointment Letters, Selangan Mosque Takmir Committee
Distribution of His Majesty's Personal Gift of Dates, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism
Urgent Treated Water Pump Valve Replacement Works at Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant Stage 4 & 5
Enforcement of Control of the Capture, Importation of Small-sized and Egg-Bearing Lobsters and Crabs
Congratulatory Message on occasion of Appointment as the New Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Religious Ceremony Awaiting the Results of the Sighting of the New Moon of Ramadhan 1447 Hijrah
Temporary Half Lane Road Closure at Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha and Tungku Highway
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's 52nd Birthday
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the Crown Prince's 52nd Birthday Celebration
Prohibition of Offering Ramadhan Buffet for Premises that have not obtained Halal Certificate
Flag Handover Ceremony to the National Contingent competing at the 6th Asian Beach Games
Brunei's Commitment to Fostering Peace, Promoting Social Harmony & Advancing Sustainable Development
Book Launching Ceremony, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkiye
Audience Ceremony with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO and Delegation
38th Session of Food and Agriculture Organisation Regional Conference Launching Ceremony
Signing of Agreement between Kedai Kampung & Agrodynamics Antarabangsa Brunei Sendirian Berhad
27/04/2026 Opening of the Final of the National Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading for Adults 1447 Hijrah/2026
Mass Sunat Hajat Prayer in conjunction with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026
Final of National Level Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading for Adults 1447H/2026M, Final Night
Audience Ceremony with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia
Conferment of State Honorary Medals in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th Birthday Celebration
Establishment of Tilawah Al-Qur'an Scheme for Children as Foundation for Noble Morals and Personalities
Reading, Deepening Understanding and Expressing Internalisation of Al-Qur'an in Shaping Morals and Behavior
Appointment & Confirmation of Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management), Ministry of Health
Advance Party of Brunei Darussalam Haj Management Office meeting with Syarikat Holiday Inn Bakkah
Bilateral Meeting With His Excellency Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Flowmeter and Valve Replacement Works at the Agis-Agis Water Treatment Plant, Belait District
Bilateral Meeting with the President and the Vice President of the People's Republic of China
Customs Case, An Indonesian Woman possessing Cigarettes of Various Brands without a Valid Permit
His Royal Highness left Shenzhen after concluding Official Visit to the People's Republic of China
Long Service Medal Presentation in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th Birthday Celebration
Religious Ceremony while Waiting For the Result of the Moon Sighting for Zulhijjah 1447 Hijrah
Ensuring every Citizen possesses Homes that are Comfortable, Safe and of Reasonably High Quality
Establishment of the National Committee on Addressing the Impact of the Middle East Conflict
Special Titah in conjunction with the Reshuffle and Appointment of New Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers 2026
His Majesty consents to Appoint and Promote the Deputy Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau as Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau
Swearing-In Ceremony for the Newly Appointed Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court for the Court of Appeal of Brunei Darussalam
Message of Condolences following the recent earthquake in Southern Mindanao, Republic of the Philippines
Courtesy Call by the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Brunei Darussalam
Talk Programme “Meneladani Tokoh Wanita Islam Zaman Rasulullah Shallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam"
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of the Republic of the Philippines' 128th Independence Day
1448 Hijrah New Year with the National Level Reading of End of Hijrah Year and Hijrah New Year Doa
His Majesty will attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russian Federation
The Pillars to the Country's Stability, Prosperity and Resilience Must Always Be At a Strong and Secure Level
His Majesty Hope Goverment-Linked Companies Will Be Able to Contribute to a More Sustainable Economic Growth
Strengthening Religious Education and the Field of Da'wah or Propogation is Necessary
Gala Dinner in Honour of Heads of State and Government of ASEAN attending the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of His Majesty King Charles III's 77th Birthday Anniversary
In Audience with the Outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam
'Kampungku Cergas' Recreational Activity in conjunction with the National Family Day Celebration
'Quit2Win' Campaign becomes an Important Platform to Quit Smoking and Stop using Electronic Vape
BDFA Responsible for the Food Safety Services in the Tutong District and Temburong District
Maintenance Works of Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant & Cleaning Works of Bukit Ambok Water Tank
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik's 43rd Birthday
Giant-Sized Flag Hoisting Ceremony in conjunction with His Majesty's 80th Birthday Celebration
Kejohanan Bola Sepak His Majesty The Sultan's Cup : Memperkukuh hubungan persahabatan NBD, UK
Haj fare grant applications open; registration begins for National Maulidur Rasul celebration
Brunei Insurance & Takaful Represented in the 31st East Asia Insurance Congress (EAIC) Tokyo 2026
Maraburong Prison Phase 4 building handed overMaraburong Prison Phase 4 building handed over
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