Pasay city: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for increased investments in clean energy, digital infrastructure, and resilient supply chains as part of its implementation of the long-term ASEAN Community Vision 2045, according to a statement from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DEPDev Undersecretary and Chairperson of the ASEAN Committee on Sustainable Infrastructure (ACSI), Joseph Capuno, emphasized the importance of advancing strategic measures under the Strategic Area on Sustainable Infrastructure. He highlighted the need to transform these commitments into tangible actions and meaningful outcomes, as stated during the Second Meeting of the ACSI 2026 held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Thursday.
Discussions at the meeting included the ASEAN Infrastructure Pipeline, a regional mechanism designed to identify priority projects that enhance connectivity within and across ASEAN member nations. Updates to the infrastructure pipeline reflect the evolving regional priorities, focusing on sustainability, energy transition, digitalization, inclusion, and supply-chain resilience.
Delegates also evaluated efforts to broaden financing opportunities and attract more investor interest in sustainable infrastructure projects. The ACSI emphasized initiatives outlined in the ASEAN Sustainable Infrastructure Action Plan (SIAP) 2026-2030, which include project development support, assessments of infrastructure financing options, and training programs aimed at aiding member states in preparing and implementing infrastructure projects.
The SIAP features regular investor forums to link infrastructure projects with potential funding sources. Capuno noted that these initiatives align with the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship priority, which focuses on building Prosperity Corridors to enhance regional connectivity, deepen economic integration, and promote inclusive and sustainable development.
As ASEAN continues to advance the SIAP 2026-2030, Capuno expressed confidence that the progress achieved this year will continue into the next, driving the collective efforts to translate commitments into concrete actions and outcomes for ASEAN. Singapore is set to take over the ACSI Chairship in 2027, with plans to support the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) alongside the SIAP 2026-2030 framework.
