Dear members,
Greetings from the Council! September has been a busy month of programming and advocacy for us, and I’m pleased to share the exciting activities we’ve been organizing for our members.
On September 23, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Council, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council for International Understanding, co-hosted a senior executive roundtable with His Excellency To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam. This trip marked General Secretary To Lam’s first visit to the United States in his dual role as General Secretary and President of Vietnam. During the roundtable, member companies had the opportunity to share their business priorities in Vietnam and to hear directly from Vietnam’s new top leadership on the country’s vision, particularly regarding economic development and the next steps for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the United States and Vietnam. The event took place almost exactly one year after the signing of the CSP, setting the stage for continued partnership in 2025 as the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
On September 26, the Council, in collaboration with the DGA Group, held a Business Luncheon featuring His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, also on the sidelines of UNGA. The engagement follows the appointment of the new Thai administration and the announcement of the Royal Thai Government’s three-year policy statement. Ambassador Suriya highlighted the importance of cooperation across a variety of sectors, including security, energy, and health, reaffirming the Royal Thai Government’s commitment to strengthening U.S.-Thai economic relations.
From September 20 to 21, the Council led a delegation to the 56th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting in Vientiane, Laos. Our mission centered on advancing ASEAN’s journey toward a digital and sustainable economy. During the mission, our delegation presented recommendations on enhancing trade and investment with the ASEAN economic community to the ten ministers during our AEM-USTR Consultation. We also hosted a series of bilateral meetings with key ASEAN trade officials from Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, the Assistant USTR, the U.S. Embassy in Laos, and the ASEAN Secretariat. The discussions focused on bringing capacity-building support to ASEAN member states as they negotiate the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), as well as advancing the region’s journey toward a circular economy. As ASEAN transitions to its Post-2025 agenda, we also presented a recommendations paper titled “A Collaborative Digital and Sustainable Economic Agenda,” outlining key strategies to build a more cohesive and resilient regional market.
Looking ahead, we have a busy slate of activities in this year’s fourth quarter, including business missions to Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia; ASEAN Ministerial engagements; an ASEAN Secretariat Business Mission; and a Vietnam Defense Mission. As a follow up to our mission to the 2024 ASEAN Customs Directors General meeting in June, I am pleased to note that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) has announced plans to increase its on-the-ground personnel in ASEAN, and we are supporting CBP’s effort to formally attend the 2025 Customs Directors General meeting. We also anticipate the IPEF Clean Economy Agreement to go into force on October 11, a significant milestone that will further bolster economic ties between the United States and Southeast Asia. I look forward to seeing you at our many exciting engagements over the rest of the year.
Best regards,
Ted
Month in Review
On September 9, in partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), the Council co-hosted an Exclusive Roundtable with DEFA Negotiating Committee in Bali, Indonesia. The workshop focused on key issues relating to digital payments, digital talent mobility, and the interoperability of digital IDs across ASEAN through the DEFA framework. On the sidelines of the workshop, the Council also held bilateral meetings with DEFA negotiators from Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia to gain deeper insights into their national priorities and the domestic challenges they face in the development of DEFA.
On September 10, the Council convened agriculture attachés from the Embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. for a roundtable discussion with business executives. Representatives shared their priorities for each country’s agriculture sector ahead of the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry meeting in October. Key topics of discussion included mitigating food waste, digitizing the agriculture sector, and ensuring animal health for sustainable livestock production.On September 10 and 11, the Council held the second ASEAN Gene Editing Workshop at the ASEAN Secretariat, highlighting the growing interest in gene-editing regulations and their potential applications in agriculture across the region. Organized in collaboration with Corteva Agriscience, ISAAA, MABIC, USDA, the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, and CropLife Asia, the workshop aimed to foster regulatory alignment and explore the future of gene editing to enhance food security. Alongside ASEAN delegates, experts from Japan, Australia, Canada, and key industry leaders shared insights on regulatory developments, crop improvement technologies, and policy considerations. This workshop emphasized the importance of regulatory cooperation and innovation in advancing biotechnology across ASEAN Member States.
On September 16, the Council and the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. co-hosted a roundtable focused on security priorities in Southeast Asia, including managing tensions in the South China Sea and bolstering cybersecurity initiatives. Ambassadors and senior officials from the ten ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste, and representatives from the Council’s Aerospace, Defense, and Security (ADS) member companies attended the event. A networking reception—bringing together more member companies, U.S. government officials, and other thought leaders in the Southeast Asia policy—followed the roundtable and opened the conversation to a broader audience of ASEAN stakeholders.
On September 18, the Council hosted U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Director Enoh T. Ebong for a roundtable discussion with member companies during her visit to Singapore. As USTDA continues its mission of connecting U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities, Director Ebong shared insights on their efforts across several key pillars in Southeast Asia, including clean energy, transportation, the digital economy, and healthcare. Director Ebong’s visit builds on several ongoing initiatives and pilot projects that USTDA is facilitating in the region and follows a successful Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) in Manila this past May. The Council looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with USTDA as both entities work together toward the 2025 IPBF.
On September 19, the Council, in collaboration with HHP Law Firm Indonesia (Baker McKenzie), held a roundtable discussion on Indonesia’s Government Regulation No. 28/2024 (GR 28), which implements Law No. 17/2023 on Health. The roundtable brought together key stakeholders, including members of the Council’s Health and Life Sciences (HLS) Committee and representatives from foreign chambers. Combining legal insights with industry perspectives, the discussions examined this significant development in Indonesia’s healthcare landscape and explored how the regulation would impact various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and nutrition.
On September 23 in Washington, D.C., and on September 25 in Austin, Texas, the Council facilitated two business roundtables with a delegation of senior Vietnamese officials from Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province (“BRVT”) during their visit to the United States, led by Provincial Party Secretary and Chairman Pham Viet Thanh. The roundtables presented valuable opportunities for U.S. companies to engage with senior leaders from BRVT and learn about investment opportunities in the province across various sectors, including energy projects, seaport infrastructure, logistics, industrial parks, tourism, and urban services. The province’s leaders also shared information on the Cai Mep Ha Logistics Center.
From September 24 to 27, in lieu of this year’s Mission to the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.), the Council’s Regional Managing Director and Senior Vice President, delivered remarks at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) on the sidelines of the Energy Ministerial. Ambassador McFeeters highlighted the future of the Council’s energy advocacy in the region, discussing the decarbonization of renewable energy and mechanisms to finance the energy transition.
On September 25, the Council’s President and CEO Ambassador Ted Osius met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly in New York. Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Ambassador Osius discussed Laos’ long-term objectives for infrastructural connectivity, digital transformation, and clean energy production. Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Ambassador Osius also discussed future points of collaboration between the Council and the Government of Laos, including the Council’s upcoming Business Mission to Laos in November 2024.
On September 27, the Council hosted a roundtable with a delegation of senior Vietnamese officials led by Director General Bui Huy Son of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) in Washington, D.C. The engagement provided a valuable platform for members to share industry insights and best practices on digital trade policy, highlighting key considerations related to data governance, AI and emerging technology, and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). The roundtable was part of a broader study tour visit to Washington, D.C. under the USAID Indo-Pacific Opportunity Project.
On September 27, the Council’s President and CEO Ambassador Ted Osius met with the Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs of Indonesia Luhut Pandjaitan during his visit to Washington D.C. Minister Luhut Pandjaitan and Ambassador Osius discussed the upcoming government transition in Indonesia and new opportunities that will arise under the Prabowo administration.
Delegations and Envoys
On September 6, three representatives from the U.S. House Select Committee on CCP visited Singapore. The delegation included Caroline Vik, Senior Advisor, House Select Committee on the CCP, Majority; Xiyue Wang, Professional Staff Member, House Select Committee on the CCP, Majority; and Daniel Berman, Speechwriter, House Select Committee on the CCP, Majority. The Council organized a small roundtable with the delegation for interested members.
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins traveled to Manila, Philippines, from September 8 to 9. While in Manila, Under Secretary Jenkins attended the Philippines Strategic Trade Management Summit (PhSTM).
On September 10, the United States and the Philippines co-chaired the Inaugural U.S.-Philippines Democracy Dialogue in Manila, Philippines. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Allison Peters led the U.S. delegation and underscored the United States’ commitment to and continued collaboration with the Government of the Philippines on actions to advance shared democratic priorities, including accountable governance, labor rights, protection for vulnerable and marginalized groups, and freedom of expression and media freedom.
Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Diane Farrell traveled to Lima and Pucallpa, Peru between September 12 and 17, 2024, to advance the Department of Commerce’s priorities at the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting and to open the APEC Business Ethics for SMEs Forum.
The U.S. Department of Commerce held the first in-person meetings of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Agreement’s Supply Chain Council on Thursday, September 12, followed by the Crisis Response Network on Friday, September 13.
Assistant United States Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Sarah Ellerman co-chaired the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers – U.S. Trade Representative Consultation on September 20 with Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR).
Upcoming Events
Please find the latest version of the Council's 2024 Events Calendar here.
On October 7, the US-ASEAN Business Council Institute (USABCI) will organize a quarterly briefing with its Board of Directors to discuss upcoming activities and workstreams, featuring the Institute's new business plan and strategy. The briefing will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to shape the Institute's strategic direction and explore new opportunities for growth and engagement. The proposals include expanding the board, creating a VC-funded incubator, a workforce development program partnership, and two grant proposals. Please contact Maggie Hanson-Muse (mhansonm@usasean.org) for additional information.
On October 8, the Council will co-host the Asian Development Bank’s Partners’ Night ahead of the 12th Business Opportunities Fair (BOF) at ADB’s headquarters in Manila, Philippines. The event will be co-hosted by the U.S. Executive Director to the ADB, Ambassador Chantale Wong, and will be attended by other prominent ADB representatives. This reception will kick off the BOF and is expected to attract around 100 attendees, including representatives from the U.S. Executive Director's Office at ADB, ADB member country offices, other multilateral financial institutions, foreign consulates, the Philippine Government, and companies participating in the BOF. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Please contact Catherine Salazar (csalazar@usasean.org) for additional information.
On October 10, the Council, under the auspices of the US-ASEAN Business Council Institute (USABCI), will organize a roundtable to discuss the implications of the November U.S. presidential election on U.S.-ASEAN relations and commerce. During this exchange, experts from both sides of the political aisle will share insights on each candidate’s agenda, paying particular attention to foreign policy and trade. With Election Day approaching on November 5, the event aims to share these insights with ASEAN Ambassadors and other diplomats. A networking reception for ASEAN officials, U.S. government officials, member companies, and other thought leaders in the Southeast Asia policy community will follow the roundtable. The event will be held at the UPS Townhouse in Washington, D.C. and will be by formal invitation. For this occasion, the Council will deploy USABCI, its charitable arm, to deepen relationships and build the knowledge base of our ASEAN diplomatic partners and stakeholders, amplifying the impact of U.S. companies’ contributions and dedication to the region.
The 18th ASEAN Coordinating Committee for MSMEs (ACCMSME) Meeting will be held in Bali, Indonesia from October 21 to 25 (TBC). The Council will participate in the regular consultation session with ACCMSME delegations to present an overview of the ASEAN SME Academy and paths forward for the SME Program. The upcoming meeting will be organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (KemenKopUKM). Please contact Bella Afifa (safifa@usasean.org) for more information.
On October 22, the Council and American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (AICC) will host a Business Panel and Gala Luncheon in New York, entitled “75 Years of the U.S.-Indonesia Journey: In Reflection, In the Moment, On the Horizon,” featuring H.E. Perry Warjiyo, Governor of Bank Indonesia. The event will also celebrate AICC’s 75th and the Council’s 40th anniversary, serving as the closing event of our anniversary series this year. Beginning with a roundtable of corporate leaders and capped by remarks from the Governor of Bank Indonesia Perry Warjiyo, this gala event will highlight Indonesia's increasingly important role in global supply chains. For registration and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mega Valentina (mega@usasean.org).
On October 22 and 23 (TBD), the Council will collaborate with the Working Group on Disclosure Standards and Streamlined Review Framework at the upcoming ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) and International Conference in Vientiane, Laos. The conference will center on the theme of “The ACMF at 20: Facilitating the Growth of the Region through Enhancing Connectivity, Sustainability and Resilience across the ASEAN Capital Markets.” The Council’s member companies will have the opportunity to speak during the panel discussion on sustainability reporting. Parties interested in joining the delegation may contact Christine Wan (cwan@usasean.org).
On October 23, USABCI will continue its effort in upscaling ASEAN MSMEs with an upcoming SME Workshop in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSME (ACCMSME) Meeting. The event will be held in partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (MoCSME). Centered on the theme of “Transforming Indonesian and ASEAN MSMEs through Digital Trade and Sustainable Practices,” the workshop aims to equip Indonesian MSMEs with the skills to foster market expansion through digital trade and sustainable practices, aligning with Indonesia's Digital Vision 2045 and ASEAN's Digital Integration Framework. Please contact Mario Masaya (mmasaya@usasean.org) and Bella Afifa (safifa@usasean.org) for more information.
The Council is planning to co-host events on the sidelines of the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW). More information will be shared soon.
From October 21 to 25, the Singapore Energy Market Authority (EMA) will host the 17th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW). The theme of SIEW 2024 is “A Connected and Sustainable Energy World” and will feature discussions on interconnected energy ecosystems, low-carbon technologies, green and transition finance, and innovative energy markets. As a supporting partner of SIEW, the Council is pleased to announce that Regional Managing Director and Senior Vice President Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.) will moderate the closing session of the Singapore IRENA High-Level Forum and a panel during the Singapore-U.S. Forum. For more information and to register, please visit the registration page here.
In November, the Council will attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) as an observer organization. The Council aims to identify like-minded organizations with whom it can partner on sustainability issues, such as transition finance and net-zero transformation. The Council will have limited Blue Pass access that member companies can use. Please reach out to Christine Wan (cwan@usasean.org) for more information.
On November 4, the Council will host a workshop in Jakarta, Indonesia for the DEFA Negotiating Committee. This workshop series will be held back-to-back with the DEFA negotiation meeting and co-organized with the U.S. Mission to ASEAN. Key topics may include the application of non-discriminatory treatment for digital trade products, principles of building digital trust, and cooperation on emerging technologies within the DEFA framework. The Council will also present case studies and best practices to showcase how these principles drive digital transformation.
During the week of November 18 (TBC), the Council plans to hold its Thailand Business Mission, with a focus on engaging the new Thai administration. Participating member companies will gain insight into the Royal Thai Government’s recently announced policies and explore new investment opportunities. The Council will share an official invitation on a later date. Please contact Hai Pham (hpham@usasean.org) and Pimploy Vivatanapaiboonlap (pimploy@usasean.org) for more information.
From November 20 to 22, the Council will send a delegation to the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers’ Meeting, hosted by this year's Chair, Malaysia, where the Council will also present a policy recommendation paper on integrated transport solutions to the Ministers of ASEAN member states. Please contact Angelica Takashima (atakashima@usasean.org) for more information.
Council in the Press
The Largest Indonesian Festival in the US Features a Cultural Parade and Reog Ponorogo - AsiaToday
A New Generation of Opportunity: Cultivating U.S. Soft Power in Myanmar - CSIS
NEDA: Investment climate vital for Philippine economic growth - Manila Bulletin
NEDA promotes growth of more sectors, industries - Manila Standard
Dozens dead after Typhoon Yagi makes landfall in Vietnam - Washington Post
Dozens Dead and Missing as Supertyphoon Yagi Hits Vietnam - Market Research Telecast
Vietnam, US enjoy robust economic cooperation after upgrade of ties: US insiders - Vietnam Plus
Positive economic development after one-year upgrade of Vietnam-US ties - VOV
Vietnam, US enjoy robust economic cooperation after upgrade of ties - VOV
Việt Nam, US enjoy robust economic co-operation after upgrade of ties: US insiders - Vietnam News
Dozens dead in Vietnam after 'worst typhoon' in 30 years - The Week
U.S.-ASEAN Business Council presents upskilling programs for workers, students to PH gov't - ANC
Enabling investment climate to power PH long-term economic transformation – NEDA
Vietnam's top leader Lam to meet Google, Meta in US next week, sources say - Reuters
Vietnam's President Lam to Meet U.S. Tech Giants Amid Strengthened Diplomacy - Devidiscourse
NEDA eyes investment climate for long-term growth - Daily Guardian
Một Việt Nam mới sau 30 năm hội nhập - Tuổi Trẻ
Vietnam's Communist Party chief Lam to meet Google, Meta in US next week - Business Standard
Vietnam’s top leader Lam to meet Google, Meta in US next week, sources say - KFGO
Top leader attends forum with leading US businesses - VietnamPlus
Tổng Bí thư, Chủ tịch nước Tô Lâm dự tọa đàm với các doanh nghiệp hàng đầu Mỹ - Tuổi Trẻ
Tổng Bí thư, Chủ tịch nước Tô Lâm dự toạ đàm với các doanh nghiệp hàng đầu Hoa Kỳ - Báo Tin tức
Mong muốn doanh nghiệp Hoa Kỳ vươn lên thành nhà đầu tư lớn nhất tại Việt Nam - VietnamPlus
Empowering innovation for Vietnam's sustainable healthcare - Vietnam Investment Review
Cambodia, US hold first public-private sector dialogue - Phnom Penh Post
Vietnam's Lam meets US corporations, Meta seeks 'stronger presence' - Reuters
Vietnam's Lam Meets US Corporations, Meta Seeks 'Stronger Presence' - U.S. News
Top leader attends forum with leading US businesses - Viet Nam News
Top leader attends forum with leading US businesses - VNEconomy
Vietnam is pivotal in healthcare potential - Vietnam Investment Review
Petrovietnam signs MoUs on digital transformation, sustainable energy with US partners - VietnamPlus
Vietnamese leader To Lam’s working trip to US in the spotlight - VOV
Biden to meet Vietnam leader on UN assembly sidelines - Selangor Journal
Biden to meet Vietnam leader on UN assembly sidelines - WTVB
Biden Seeks to Strengthen US-Vietnam Ties in Final UN Assembly Appearance - Devidiscourse
Đoàn công tác tỉnh BR-VT làm việc với Hội đồng kinh doanh Hoa Kỳ về xúc tiến hợp tác kinh tế - BRTgo
