• Today: October 22, 2026

Brunei hosts ASEAN meetings on MSME digitalisation, accessibility

Brunei Darussalam is hosting ASEAN’s regional meetings on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from October 19 to 23, 2026, with officials from member states reviewing efforts to help MSMEs digitalise, adopt sustainable practices and access new markets.

The 22nd ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME) Meeting and Related Meetings is jointly organised by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). Participants include representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, dialogue partners and partner organisations.

The 22nd ACCMSME takes place in the first year of ASEAN’s new five-year strategic cycle for regional MSME cooperation. Delegates will review progress under the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and the Strategic Action Plan for MSME Development 2026-2030.

Initiatives on the agenda include the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for MSMEs, the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for MSMEs in Green Transition and the development of Unique Business Identification Numbers. Delegates will also discuss digital transformation, inclusive business and cooperation with external partners.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Primary Resources and Tourism) at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Mohammad Yusree Haji Junaidi said regional cooperation must help MSMEs access new markets, meet changing market requirements and connect with buyers and partners across regional supply chains.

Meanwhile, ACCMSME Chair and Deputy Director General of the Agency of Private Enterprise and Cooperatives Development at Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance Trinh Thi Huong said regional initiatives must respond to the diverse needs of MSMEs, particularly those facing greater barriers to digitalisation, market access and sustainable growth.

“Our goal is to ensure that ASEAN MSMEs are not merely participants in the region’s economic transformation, but active drivers of digital innovation, green growth and inclusive development,” she said.

“Through stronger regional cooperation and practical, results-oriented initiatives, we can help MSMEs become more competitive, resilient and better connected to opportunities across ASEAN and beyond.”

ACCMSME meets twice a year and serves as ASEAN’s coordinating body for regional MSME cooperation. It provides a platform for member states to strengthen policy coordination, exchange experiences and translate shared priorities into practical initiatives. Guided by the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development and its successor frameworks, ACCMSME aims to create an enabling environment in which MSMEs can grow, compete and participate more effectively in regional and global markets.

Three related meetings are also being held during the week: the 3rd ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) Upgrade Working Group on MSMEs Meeting, the 37th Joint Consultation between ACCMSME and the SME Agency of Japan, and the 5th Steering Committee Meeting of the IDEAS Project.

Brunei reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat and regional partners to advance the regional MSME agenda and support a more integrated, inclusive and resilient ASEAN economy. – James Kon

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Primary Resources and Tourism) at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Mohammad Yusree Haji Junaidi and Chair of the 22nd ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Deputy Director General of the Agency of Private Enterprise and Cooperatives Development at Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance Trinh Thi Huong in a group photo. PHOTO: SIM YH
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the attendees during the meeting. PHOTO: SIM YH
PHOTO: SIM YH

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON

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