THE ASSOCIATION of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for more investments in clean energy, digital infrastructure, and resilient supply chains as it begins implementing a long-term development agenda under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said.
“Our task is to advance strategic measures and activities we have agreed upon under the Strategic Area on Sustainable Infrastructure and translate these commitments into concrete actions and meaningful outcomes,” the statement quoted DEPDev Undersecretary and Chairperson of the ASEAN Committee on Sustainable Infrastructure (ACSI) Joseph Capuno as saying during the Second Meeting of the ACSI 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on August 27.
One of the topics discussed was the ASEAN Infrastructure Pipeline, a rolling regional mechanism for identifying priority projects that strengthen connections within and across ASEAN member states.
The DEPDev said updates to the infrastructure pipeline reflect evolving regional priorities, including sustainability, the energy transition, digitalization, inclusion, and supply-chain resilience.
Delegates also reviewed efforts to expand financing opportunities and attract greater investor interest in sustainable infrastructure projects.
The ACSI also highlighted initiatives under the ASEAN Sustainable Infrastructure Action Plan (SIAP) 2026-2030, including project development support, assessments of infrastructure financing options, and training programs to help member states prepare and implement infrastructure projects.
The SIAP includes regular investor forums to connect infrastructure projects with potential sources of funding.
Capuno said these efforts directly advance the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship priority of building Prosperity Corridors that strengthen regional connectivity, deepen economic integration, and promote inclusive and sustainable development.
Singapore is set to assume the ACSI Chairship in 2027 and plans to support the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP), alongside the SIAP 2026-2030 framework. (PNA)
