Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Meeting demonstrated the region’s commitment to expedite and complete the works under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2025 including Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables, preparations to advance the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030 in support of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and ensure ASEAN’s forward-looking economic cooperation in the middle of rising global economic uncertainties and multidimensional challenges. The meeting emphasised ASEAN’s strategic focus on promoting digital economy, energy transition, supply chain resilience, and enhanced external cooperation to maintain resilience and growth of ASEAN’s economy. The Meeting welcomed the preparations for the signing of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade at the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in October 2025, as well as positive progress toward to the substantial conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
