The AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030 calls for efforts to engage the business sector and community-based organisations more effectively, to build an Inclusive, Participatory, and Collaborative Community.

It is important for the private sector to understand the various avenues that are available for their engagement with ASEAN. The ASEAN Secretariat has developed initiatives to enable and strengthen private sector engagement by following the framework of “Inform-Consult-Involve.”

Area 1: Easier access to information for the private sector

Access to information on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is crucial to enhance public-private sector engagement. The ASEAN Secretariat aims to improve access to information to ensure private sector remains well-informed about ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and can participate more effectively in regional economic integration.

Area 2: Enhancing consultation with the private sector

To ensure that the engagement between the public and private sector can be conducted in a transparent and effective manner, ASEAN aims to enhance consultation mechanisms through clearer procedures and structured platforms that allow private sector feedback to be consolidated and channelled to relevant ASEAN bodies. ASEAN also organises fora and workshops that bring together businesses, government officials, and policymakers to discuss key challenges in AEC’s initiatives, welcome feedback, as well as identify potential solutions.

Private sector entities interested in engaging with AEC Sectoral Bodies may refer to the relevant Rules of Procedure for Private Sector Engagement under the ASEAN Economic Community, guidance on participation and submission of inputs.

Area 3: Strengthening the involvement of the private sector through public-private sector projects

Developing public-private initiatives (project collaborations) is also crucial in strengthening public-private sector engagement. One example of this is the ASEAN-BAC Legacy Projects, which advance region-wide priorities and demonstrate long-term private sector commitment to ASEAN’s economic integration, as well as other private sector collaboration. In accordance with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, private sector involvement in the implementation of the Strategic Plan has also been incorporated through the participation of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) as a key supporting body.