1. The Fifty-Eighth ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting was held on 19 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The Meeting, which was chaired by the Philippines under the theme of “Navigating Our Future, Together”, was preceded by a preparatory meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials (SEOM) and joint meetings with the 40th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council and the 29th ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council.

Regional and Global Developments

2. The Meeting welcomed that the ASEAN economy expanded by 4.9 per cent in 2025 and is projected to grow by 4.5 per cent in 2026, remaining well above the projected global growth rate of 3.0 per cent. The Meeting acknowledged that, despite uncertainties arising from the Middle East crisis and global geo-economic uncertainties, ASEAN’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by sustained manufacturing activity, resilient exports and investment, and steady domestic demand.

Download the full statement here.