Since its inception, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) has made significant strides towards regional integration. This progress has created substantial opportunities for businesses to expand their operations, access new markets, and capitalize on the region's growth potential. Looking beyond 2025, ASEAN is poised for transformative changes driven by global trends, technological advancements, and the region’s ability to address demographic challenges and achieve its aspirations. The AEC is likely to see deeper economic integration and regional market development, with increased efforts to promote sustainable growth, remove trade barriers, harmonize regulations, and facilitate cross-border investments, leading to a more cohesive and resilient regional market.
In this context, the US-ASEAN Business Council has developed this recommendation paper as part of its deliverables for its 25th Business Mission to the 56th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting. The paper presents the U.S. industry's positions on key issues of interest to the ASEAN Economic Ministers as they shape ASEAN’s post-2025 agenda. Key focus areas include:
- Digital Economy: Positioning ASEAN as a leader in the digital economy by advocating for the creation of a comprehensive, high-standard, and commercially meaningful Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
- Sustainable Economy: Promoting the development of a circular and sustainable supply chain across critical and emerging sectors, including energy, water, food, transport, telecommunications, healthcare, and banking and finance.
