1. Since its launch in 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) has evolved into a highly integrated and cohesive economic community. Emerging as an attractive and competitive economic region, the AEC continues to foster an interconnected market for trade and investment that cultivates individuals’ prosperity, promotes opportunities for businesses of all sizes, facilitates the narrowing of the development gap between and within ASEAN Member States and advances cooperation in diverse economic sectors. Together, these endeavours have set the foundations for the seamless movement of goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled labour within ASEAN, enhanced trade and production networks, and established a more unified market for firms and consumers.
2. Carrying on with business as usual will not suffice for this highly dynamic economic region. For ASEAN to become the fourth largest global economy by 2045, countries in the region will need to deepen their economic integration and enhance their agility to address multifaceted challenges. Equally important is ASEAN’s ability to pursue meaningful initiatives and programmes to ensure the long-term resilience of its people, businesses, and societies. Looking ahead to 2045, ASEAN is committed to becoming a single and future-ready economy that is anchored on sustainable growth, empowered by advanced technologies, responsive to emerging opportunities, whilst ensuring that inclusivity and sustainability are mainstreamed across all dimensions of its economic integration endeavours.

Download the full strategic plan here.