The AIR 2019 covers both progress in the implementation of AEC commitments as well as the outcomes of the AEC as measured by key performance indicators. The Report builds on the AEC internal monitoring effort as guided by the AEC 2025 Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, and complemented by regional integration statistical indicators, as well as findings from relevant studies.

The AIR 2019 is released at a time of global economic uncertainties. While the region’s economic performance has remained robust, there is threat of moderation in its outlook, given widespread protectionism, growing pressure on multilateralism, and the risk of an upcoming recession. The Report shows that ASEAN economic integration has borne results in a number of areas, but in others it remains a work in progress. It highlights the need for ASEAN to deepen and broaden integration within its internal market, while at the same time keeping markets open to strengthen partnerships with economies around the world. It also indicates the need for ASEAN to be a more proactive global player to uphold and shape the very system that it has benefited from. Last but not least, it underscores the need for ASEAN to prepare itself for the future, including in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and sustainability considerations.