The key role of AEM, with support of SEOM, is to perform a supervisory and monitoring role in the effort of achieving a deeper economic integration in the region. The AEM oversees the work under priority areas of economic integration as stipulated in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 and to ensure that work under respective work plan for each area of cooperation is carried out according to the adopted timeline.

Beyond ASEAN economic integration, the AEM is also responsible for ASEAN’s external economic relations. This is in line with the “A Global ASEAN” agenda under the AEC Blueprint 2025. To this end, the AEM regularly hold consultations with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, as well as communicate with other ASEAN external partners. The AEM also makes decisions and guide ASEAN’s response to emerging regional and global economic issues.