President's Newsletter, February 2026

Authored by

Amb. Brian McFeeters

USABC and Members at the ASEAN Secretariat Business Mission

March 5, 2026

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Dear Members,

As we started the year, February looked like a “quiet” month in terms of major USABC business missions and activities. As you can see below, it was anything but. The highlight was our surprise February 18 three-hour business roundtable and gala dinner with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who clearly relished interacting with US business leaders. And we heard he was very glad to sign the US-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) in the White House the next day. On the trade and tariff front, we are still digesting the February 20 Supreme Court ruling invalidating the US Administration's IEEPA tariffs that underpin the ARTs. Early indications are that Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia will continue moving forward with those, as Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for International Trade David Fogel told us on February 26. Looking ahead, our Philippines team will hold several roundtable discussions in connection with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in March, and in April we’ll have business missions to the ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM) and to Hanoi to meet the new government. Always open to your comments and ideas.

Best Regards,

Brian

At the onset of the month on February 2, the Council hosted an exclusive Business Roundtable with Vietnam’s new Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT), Le Manh Hung, following his visit to Washington, D.C., where he led Vietnam’s delegation for the sixth round of U.S.-Vietnam trade negotiations. The event marked USABC’s first engagement with senior Vietnam leadership since the conclusion of the 14th Party Congress and provided members with an early opportunity to engage with the leadership of one of Vietnam’s most important ministries, which oversees energy, trade, and key industrial sectors. During the roundtable, Minister Hung underscored Vietnam’s shift toward a growth model centered on a high-skilled workforce, as well as science and technology areas where U.S. companies can offer leading capabilities and expertise. He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation across key sectors, including energy and the green transition, energy security, supporting industries, and digital trade. It was encouraging to hear Minister Hung emphasize his pro-business approach and his understanding of corporate concerns.

Briefing on Vietnam’s Political Development and Result of the 14^th Party Congress

On February 3, the Council convened a virtual briefing for members on Vietnam’s recent political developments, following the conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), one of the country’s most significant political events. The Congress elected Vietnam’s top decision makers and set the strategic direction for the next five years and beyond. During the briefing, Vu Tu Thanh, the Council’s Acting Regional Managing Director and Vietnam Chief Representative, shared our analysis of the Congress outcomes and provided on-the-ground insights into potential leadership changes, as well as Vietnam’s strategic priorities for the coming term. We look forward to engaging with Vietnam’s new leadership during our upcoming Vietnam Business Mission, scheduled for April 14-16 in Hanoi.

USABC Hosts Farm to Table Multistakeholder Forum in Jakarta — *Farm to Table Multistakeholder Forum*

Industry Roundtable on Subsea Cable Policy

On February 5, USABC co-hosted an industry roundtable on subsea cable policy at the U.S. Department of Commerce alongside the Federal Communications Commission and the Commercial Law Development Program, bringing together U.S. industry and a senior Government of Vietnam delegation to discuss secure and resilient digital infrastructure. Conversations focused on regulatory frameworks to enable investment, trusted vendor and built-in security considerations, and strategies to strengthen network resilience through route diversity, redundancy, and complementary technologies. The discussion also highlighted Vietnam’s evolving policy landscape and opportunities for deeper public–private collaboration as demand for connectivity continues to grow across Southeast Asia.

*Member Briefing on Tariff Negotiations with Marc Mealy (Center Right)*

At a closed-door Members’ Briefing on Tariff Negotiations held in Jakarta on February 5, the Council's Executive Vice President of Research and Chief Policy Officer, Marc Mealy, provided updates on developments in U.S. tariff negotiations with several ASEAN Member States (AMS). The discussion underscored the varied impact of tariffs across the membership, ranging from companies that remain unaffected or seek to leverage negotiations for commercial gain to those experiencing negative commercial consequences. The Council highlighted gradual progress in discussions across ASEAN markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam, while noting continued uncertainty surrounding non-tariff barrier commitments, sector-specific outcomes, and timelines for entry into force and implementation. Members also discussed challenges related to exemption authority, customs enforcement mechanisms, political dynamics within partner governments, and limited public consultation under the current U.S. administration. The briefing further addressed broader strategic considerations, including critical minerals cooperation, supply chain shifts amid intensifying U.S.-China competition, potential implications of Section 232 measures, and evolving regional trade initiatives such as ongoing ASEAN-Canada negotiations and USMCA review dynamics. The Council emphasized that 2026 will be a pivotal year focused on implementation monitoring, with members serving as key on-the-ground partners to assess whether negotiated commitments translate into practical commercial outcomes.

USABC's Executive Vice President of Research and Chief Policy Officer, together with USABC's ASEAN Committee Chair Claudia Chan, Senior Director for Public Policy at Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific, led a delegation of senior executives from seven U.S. companies to the 2026 ASEAN Secretariat Business Mission on February 10-11 in Jakarta. The mission brought together U.S. private-sector leaders and senior ASEAN stakeholders for policy-focused dialogue supporting deeper regional integration and the implementation of ASEAN’s long-term priorities. Held under the theme “Strengthening the U.S.-ASEAN Partnership for Sustainable and Resilient Growth through Innovation and Collaboration,” the mission aimed to advance ASEAN’s Sectoral Strategic Plans 2026-2030 and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, while supporting the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Through a high-level meeting with ASEAN senior leadership and 10 bilateral meetings with relevant ASEAN Secretariat directorates and ASEAN institutions, the mission underscored the importance of sustained public-private collaboration as ASEAN transitions from framework-setting to implementation across diverse areas, including the digital economy, resilient supply chains, transport, energy transition, environment and sustainability, and the health sector. It also highlighted U.S. industry’s long-term investment, technological innovation, and technical expertise to supporting ASEAN in these areas. During the mission, Mealy presented the seventh edition of ASEAN Matters for America, America Matters for ASEAN, produced in partnership with the East-West Center and the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, to ASEAN senior leadership, reaffirming the depth and impact of the U.S.-ASEAN economic relationship.

Greeting Pres Prabowo 2-18-26 — *Greeting President Prabowo on the Sidelines of the Business Summit Ahead of the U.S.-Indonesia ART Signing*

On February 18, USABC, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the US-Indonesia Society had the honor of co-hosting President Prabowo of Indonesia for a Business Summit in Washington, D.C. ahead of the U.S.-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signing ceremony. The summit was a momentous occasion: Indonesian and American companies signed deals worth $38.4 billion in sectors including technology, agriculture, mining, energy, and textiles. At the event, President Prabowo emphasized Indonesia’s appreciation for the U.S.’ longstanding partnership and highlighted significant opportunities for shared prosperity between both countries. President Prabowo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to stability, clean governance, and pragmatic reform, while U.S. companies reiterated their readiness to invest in Indonesia long-term.

USABC’s Chairman’s Council Advisory Group

USABC’s Chairman’s Council Advisory Group (CCAG) convened on February 26 for a strategic dialogue with CCAG members. The meeting opened with remarks from Dewardric McNeal, Managing Director and Senior Policy Analyst at Longview Global and former Obama Administration appointee at the U.S. Department of Defense. Drawing on his experiences at the Brookings Institution and in international development strategy, Mr. McNeal shared insights on geopolitical dynamics, U.S.-China competition, and international policy trends affecting Southeast Asia. Following the presentation, members engaged in a moderated discussion on how member companies are navigating U.S.-China commercial competition in ASEAN markets, as well as strategic considerations related to China hosting APEC and the implications for U.S. businesses operating in the region.

*Assistant Secretary Fogel (Center) Speaking with USABC and Members*

On February 26, the Council was pleased to host a business roundtable with the Honorable David L. Fogel, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service at the International Trade Administration (ITA), along with ITA's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia Pamela Phan and Deputy Director of the Office of Southeast Asia David Nufrio. The discussion brought together member companies for a substantive exchange on U.S. commercial diplomacy, evolving trade and investment priorities, and the Department of Commerce’s efforts to expand opportunities for American businesses across ASEAN markets. Fogel signaled that completed and pending ARTs with ASEAN Member States would continue to move forward, despite the Supreme Court’s February 20 ruling on tariffs.

We look forward to building on the year’s momentum together and always welcome your feedback on the Council’s efforts. Thank you for your continued support, as well as your integral partnership in advancing U.S. business interests across ASEAN.

Upcoming Events

Roundtable with Acting Director Thomas R. Hardy of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (March 2)

The US-ASEAN Business Council will host a roundtable with Acting Director Thomas R. Hardy of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and member of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC), offering members an opportunity for direct engagement on U.S. strategy and commercial priorities in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific. The discussion will cover USTDA’s positioning and coordination through the NEDC, the outlook for Indo-Pacific energy security, and themes for the upcoming Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum in Tokyo, as well as critical infrastructure, trade deals, regional partnerships, and evolving supply chains amid recent public-private agreements and policy shifts. Director Hardy will provide insights into USTDA’s projects, geopolitical considerations, and emerging growth sectors, followed by an open dialogue where member companies can explore opportunities for USTDA support, raise industry challenges, and identify pathways to strengthen public-private collaboration. Please contact Logan Carnicelli (lcarnicelli@usasean.org) for more details.

Roundtable Discussion Featuring Congressman Ryan Zinke (March 3)

On March 3, USABC will host a roundtable with Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT), who serves as Chairman of the Foreign Arms Sales Taskforce within the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Congressman Zinke plays a leading role in shaping congressional oversight of U.S. security cooperation and defense exports in the Indo-Pacific. The roundtable discussion presents a valuable opportunity for members to better understand the Foreign Arms Sales Taskforce’s priorities and gain insight into Congressman Zinke’s perspectives on U.S.-ASEAN foreign policy. In case of questions, please email Jack Myint (jmyint@usasean.org).

Philippines ASEAN Chairship: Sustainability and Food Security Roundtable (March 3)

The US-ASEAN Business Council, in partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines, will convene a high-level roundtable discussion on sustainability and food security on March 3 in support of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship. This session will bring together government officials, private sector representatives, and international organizations to discuss policy priorities and practical initiatives to advance circular economy approaches, strengthen resilient and transparent supply chains, enhance nutrition and food security, and support inclusive value chains across ASEAN. The discussion will be guided by a forthcoming policy paper developed with input from member companies and aligned with the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables, with the goal of identifying opportunities for public-private collaboration and actionable recommendations for ASEAN policymakers. Please contact Julius Asilum (jasilum@usasean.org) for more information.

Philippines ASEAN Chairship: Healthcare Roundtable (March 4)

On March 4, USABC and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines will convene a healthcare-focused roundtable in Manila as part of a broader effort to support the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship. This meeting will convene government, industry, and development stakeholders to explore policy and regulatory approaches to strengthening health systems across ASEAN. Discussions will focus on digital health integration and data interoperability, AI-enabled preventive care, resilient healthcare supply chains, and regulatory harmonization. The roundtable will provide an opportunity for participants to exchange perspectives and identify practical areas for collaboration to advance healthcare innovation, access, and system resilience across the region. For more information, you may contact Julius Asilum (jasilum@usasean.org).

Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (March 14-15)

By invitation from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the US-ASEAN Business Council will serve as a supporting partner for the inaugural Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM), to be held March 14-15 in Tokyo, Japan. The event will convene Energy Ministers and senior officials from across the Indo-Pacific, including all ASEAN member states, alongside business leaders and policymakers to advance partnerships, strengthen energy supply chains, and promote new investment and project opportunities in the region. Headlined by senior U.S. and Japanese government leaders, the two-day program will feature a public Business Forum and a closed-door Ministerial Session, providing members with opportunities to engage directly with key decision-makers shaping regional energy security. Companies are also invited to submit potential deal announcements or partnership concepts for consideration in connection with the forum. Additional details will be shared as they become available. For more information, please contact Logan Carnicelli (lcarnicelli@usasean.org) or Hai Pham (hpham@usasean.org).

Philippines ASEAN Chairship: Sustainable Supply Chains and Logistics Roundtable (March 18)

As part of its policy engagement activities surrounding the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, the US-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines will host a roundtable on sustainable supply chains on March 18 in Manila. This session will examine regional priorities for improving the movement of goods across ASEAN, with particular attention to customs processes, trade management frameworks, market access, and the growing role of digital tools in logistics and supply chain oversight. The discussion will draw on private sector recommendations developed for the Chairship year and will convene representatives from government, industry, and international organizations to explore practical steps toward more efficient and reliable regional supply chains. Please email Julius Asilum (jasilum@usasean.org) for more information.

Philippines ASEAN Chairship: Digital Economy and Workforce Development Roundtable (March 19)

In the fourth roundtable event in the Philippines ASEAN Chairship series led by USABC and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines, attention will be focused on digital economy and workforce development. This session will explore how ASEAN economies can expand digital participation and build a future-ready workforce, with discussions covering digital infrastructure and interoperability, cybersecurity, and skills development for emerging technologies. The program will incorporate private sector perspectives on advancing digital integration and talent development across the region and will bring together key stakeholders to examine opportunities for greater coordination and capacity building. In case of questions, please contact Julius Asilum (jasilum@usasean.org).

Digital Assets in ASEAN Roundtable and Networking Reception (March 25)

The US-ASEAN Business Council, in partnership with Robinhood, will convene a closed-door, off-the-record roundtable with Members of Congress and select member companies to examine digital asset regulatory frameworks in the United States and across Southeast Asia. The discussion will focus on the implications of the GENIUS Act for U.S. digital asset firms and parallel regulatory developments across the region, identifying key market access challenges and outlining actionable steps Congress and the Administration can take to strengthen U.S. business engagement in ASEAN’s rapidly growing digital asset ecosystem. The dialogue will be followed by a networking reception. In case of questions, please contact Max Knight (mknight@usasean.org).

2026 Business Mission to the 13^th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) (April 8-10)

The US-ASEAN Business Council invites member companies to participate in the 2026 Business Mission to the 13^th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting. This Mission will provide executives with the opportunity to engage directly with ASEAN finance ministers, central bank governors, and senior financial officials on priorities including digital transformation, regional capital market development, digital payments integration, and future-ready financial sector polices. Delegates will also participate in meetings with the ASEAN Secretariat and the U.S. Treasury. The mission will highlight U.S. industry perspectives on strengthening ASEAN’s financial ecosystem, supporting innovation in digital finance, and advancing policies that promote long-term growth and resilience. For more information, please contact Mario Masaya (mmasaya@usasean.org).

2026 Vietnam Business Mission (April 14-16)

The US-ASEAN Business Council will lead its 2026 Vietnam Business Mission to Hanoi from April 14-16, offering senior U.S. executives a timely opportunity to engage Vietnam’s new leadership following the 14th Party Congress and the launch of its 2026-2030 development agenda. Co-led by Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.) and Vu Tu Thanh, the Mission comes as Vietnam targets sustained GDP growth above 10%, upper-middle-income status by 2030, and developed economy status by 2045, with a strong focus on accelerating reforms and improving the investment climate. As one of the first U.S. private-sector delegations under the new governing term, participants will have the opportunity to meet senior government officials, key ministries, state-owned enterprises, multilateral institutions, and the U.S. Embassy to discuss priorities including advanced technology and digital transformation, energy security and the green transition, supply chain integration, financial sector modernization, healthcare reform, workforce development, and administrative reform. The Mission provides a strategic platform for U.S. companies to shape policy dialogue, address regulatory bottlenecks, strengthen commercial partnerships, and demonstrate long-term commitment to Vietnam’s growth. Registration closes March 14, with talking points due March 6 to secure priority meetings. Please email Le Nguyen (lnguyen@usasean.org) for more details.