KUALA LUMPUR: Senior ASEAN economic officials convened on Saturday to evaluate the progress of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 and to deliberate on the next strategic roadmap that will shape regional economic integration through 2030.
Held ahead of the 25th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting, the Preparatory Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting (Prep-SEOM) centred on reviewing key outcomes of the current blueprint and aligning them with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
New Strategic Plan in the Works
The officials discussed the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, a crucial component of ASEAN’s post-2025 vision. The document is expected to be launched and adopted by ASEAN leaders during the 46th ASEAN Summit, taking place on May 26 and 27 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Deputy Secretary-General (Trade), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, chaired the session. Other notable attendees included ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the AEC, Satvinder Singh, and senior economic representatives from all ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste and Myanmar (the latter joining virtually).
Responding to Global Shifts
The meeting also examined the region’s current economic performance in light of global economic uncertainties. Participants discussed the implications of policy shifts among major global economies and formulated strategic responses to safeguard ASEAN’s economic resilience.
“There is a shared understanding that ASEAN must remain agile and cohesive in responding to external shocks while unlocking new growth opportunities,” noted one official.
The Prep-SEOM sets the stage for key decisions at Monday’s 25th AECC Meeting, where ministers are expected to endorse several reports and outcome documents, providing guidance on the way forward for ASEAN’s economic pillar.
ASEAN Summit and Strategic Engagements
This year’s ASEAN Summit will feature two concurrent high-level engagements:
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The 2nd ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit
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The inaugural ASEAN–GCC–China Summit
Both are expected to broaden ASEAN’s external economic partnerships and reaffirm its role as a central player in regional and global economic affairs.
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 carries the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflecting a broader commitment to equitable and future-focused growth across all member states.–BERNAMA
