DHL, ASEAN-BAC partner to boost MSME trade across ASEAN

DHL Express and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen trade facilitation, improve supply chain resilience and support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Southeast Asia, as the region seeks deeper economic integration and greater participation in global trade networks.

The agreement, signed in Manila by George Barcelon, Council Member of ASEAN-BAC, and Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President for Commercial, Asia Pacific at DHL Express, establishes a framework for cooperation in four areas: improving MSME participation in cross-border trade, strengthening supply chains through digital logistics adoption, advancing decarbonisation efforts and promoting harmonised digital trade and supply chain standards through policy advocacy.

The partnership is aimed at reducing barriers to cross-border commerce and improving customs processes and standards across ASEAN member states. DHL and ASEAN-BAC said the initiative aligns with ASEAN’s efforts to improve regional and international trade connectivity while supporting businesses seeking access to overseas markets.

“ASEAN's strength will not be measured by the success of a few, but by the number of people we bring into the circle of growth and opportunity,” said ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III. “Advancing Prosperity for All” means building an ASEAN where businesses of all sizes can grow and innovate. Through stronger regional collaboration and this partnership with DHL, we want to ensure that no one – especially MSMEs and the small entrepreneurs – is left behind.”

DHL said ASEAN continues to play a central role in global trade and manufacturing. Citing the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, the company noted that Asia remains a key contributor to global trade flows, with ASEAN handling merchandise trade valued at USD 4.4 trillion. The company said supporting MSMEs is important to ensuring that businesses across the region can expand internationally and contribute to future economic growth.

“Global trade has proven its resilience time and again, and ASEAN continues to stand out as a critical pillar of that growth. MSMEs are at the heart of ASEAN's economies, and their ability to compete internationally will define the region's next phase of development. DHL has been a constant in enabling cross-border trade – providing the infrastructure, expertise and reliability that businesses depend on. Our partnership with ASEAN-BAC and our GoTrade programme show that we are doubling down on our commitment to MSMEs so that they can confidently scale beyond their home markets,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai.

As part of the agreement, DHL will extend support through its GoTrade programme, which is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises access international markets. The programme will provide training and guidance to MSMEs on issues including digitalisation, finance and logistics. DHL said the initiative seeks to address barriers that often limit participation in international trade and aims to help businesses build capabilities required for cross-border expansion.

ASEAN-BAC Philippines, which holds the council chairmanship in 2026, has identified MSME development as a priority across its strategic pillars covering inclusivity, sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. The council also plans to expand its ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network, first launched in 2017, into a digital platform to increase access to mentorship, innovation support, market opportunities and regional business networks.

Beyond training and enterprise development, the two organisations will collaborate on research into trade challenges faced by MSMEs, promote the adoption of digital trade processes and engage governments on the alignment of standards across the region. The effort is intended to support more efficient trade flows and strengthen ASEAN’s position within international supply chains.

The partnership also comes ahead of the DHL GoTrade Summit, which will be held in Manila later this year. ASEAN-BAC and the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry are supporting the event, which will bring together policymakers and industry representatives to discuss ways to improve cross-border trade opportunities for MSMEs.