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KUALA LUMPUR, August 18, 2025 — Senior economic officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a four-day series of high-level discussions aimed at advancing regional economic integration, strengthening trade frameworks, and preparing key deliverables ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit.
The meetings, hosted under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, bring together representatives from all ten ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Timor-Leste as an observer. The agenda reflects the Chairmanship’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” with a focus on building resilient supply chains, promoting digital transformation, and enhancing intra-ASEAN investment flows.
📌 Key Topics on the Agenda
Officials are expected to deliberate on several strategic priorities:
- ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 Review
Progress on the implementation of the AEC Blueprint will be assessed, with emphasis on narrowing development gaps and fostering equitable growth across member states. - Digital Economy and Innovation
Discussions will center on harmonizing digital trade standards and expanding cross-border e-commerce, particularly among MSMEs. - Sustainable Development and Green Finance
Delegates will explore mechanisms to mobilize climate finance and promote sustainable infrastructure investments in line with global ESG benchmarks. - External Economic Partnerships
Preparations are underway for upcoming dialogues with key partners including China, the European Union, and the United States, aimed at reinforcing ASEAN’s role in global trade governance.
🗣️ Malaysia’s Role as Host
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, opened the talks by reaffirming the country’s commitment to inclusive regional growth and multilateral cooperation.
“ASEAN must remain united and forward-looking in navigating global uncertainties. Our strength lies in our shared values and collective resolve,” he said during the opening ceremony on August 18.
The meetings also serve as a preparatory platform for the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and Related Summits scheduled later this year.
🌐 Regional Outlook
As ASEAN continues to recover from the economic disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bloc is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing regions globally. The World Bank estimates ASEAN’s combined GDP will grow by 4.8% in 2025, driven by robust domestic demand and expanding digital sectors.
The outcomes of this week’s meetings are expected to shape policy directions for the next phase of ASEAN’s economic integration and its positioning in an increasingly multipolar global economy.
ASEAN-HQ-Jakarta-Indonesia-Picture-on-Wikimedia-by-Gunawan-Kartapranata
