The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, Satvinder Singh, attended the Preparatory Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting (Prep-SEOM) for the 56^th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting on 15 September 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The Prep-SEOM discussed the SEOM Chair’s Reports (SCRs) that will be submitted to the 56^th AEM. The SCRs are an annual feature at the AEM Meeting and Related Meetings, where it provides a progress report of all ASEAN economic cooperation under the various areas – (i) the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA); (ii) the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA); and (iii) the AEM.

In addition, the Prep-SEOM also discussed preparations from the AEM-Dialogue Partner Consultation meetings that will also be taking place as part of the 56^th AEM Meeting and Related Meetings.