By Maybelene Marcelino
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), under the leadership of Malaysia, is set to embark on a fundamental economic realignment with the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2026-2030 and the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045 next month.
Redefining global economic role
According to Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) secretary-general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob, these roadmaps will address emerging challenges and position the Southeast Asian bloc as a dynamic global economic hub.
“This reconfiguration of ASEAN comes at a most opportune time, as the current global landscape is rapidly evolving,” he said in his address at the Second ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (Seom 2/56) and Related Meetings held in George Town, Penang.
“I believe it is essential that we factor in the impact of geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, climate-related disruptions, and the acceleration of digitalisation in charting the path forward.”
The official underscored that ACV 2045 is seen as a crucial tool for ASEAN to redefine its growth trajectory in response to global challenges.
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Focus on regional events
Meanwhile, Hairil noted that the primary objective of Seom 2/56 was to review and deliberate on follow-up actions from earlier engagements. This includes key talks from the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting held on February 28, 2025, the Special AEM Meeting on April 10, 2025, and earlier Seom meetings.
He revealed that discussions at the meeting focused on preparations for upcoming regional events, particularly the ASEAN Economic Coordinating Council Meeting and the 46th ASEAN Summit scheduled for May 2025.
“In terms of engagement with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, the meeting primarily focused on deliberating the progress of and addressing key issues related to the implementation of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs),” he stated.
The official added that the status of Work Plans with Dialogue Partners and ongoing and planned economic cooperation initiatives were thoroughly reviewed.
Malaysia officially assumed the role of ASEAN Chairmanship on January 1, 2025, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. This reflects the country’s aspirations to build a united and prosperous ASEAN.
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