Hanoi is currently hosting the 2026 ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) until June 10, gathering government leaders, business delegates as well as, for the first time, political parties and local authorities from across the Southeast Asia region to discuss actionable recommendations for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Category: ASEAN
ASEAN-South Korea to upgrade FTA with focus on digital trade and critical minerals
On June 8, ASEAN and South Korea officially launched full-scale negotiations to upgrade their 20-year-old free trade agreement (FTA).
A Country In-Between: As EU Membership Stalls, Serbia Looks to ASEAN
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IAI kicks off Work Plan V with fresh focus on Timor-Leste
On June 5, the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force convened its 79th meeting at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta. IAI Task Force 2026 Chairperson and Permanent Representative of Cambodia to ASEAN, Noy Choumneanh chaired the gathering.
PLX Asia launched as first integrated business hub in Southeast Asia
On May 29, PLX Asia was established as Southeast Asia’s first integrated business-to-business (B2B) platform. This centralised hub is tailored specifically for private label and contract manufacturing at a time when the region is experiencing a massive yet fragmented boom across the food and beverage (F&B), health and beauty as well as household care sectors.
ASEAN Energy Security Must Be Driven by Member States’ National Self-Interest
For some time, a question has hung in the air about how ASEAN would be able to translate its political commitment into implementation. The top-down approach may never fit the “ASEAN way” of doing things. By its institutional nature, ASEAN’s energy security and speed of energy transition will largely depend on the national self-interest of its member states.
ASEAN+3 economies face rising inflation in 2026
On June 2, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) published its second quarterly report of 2026, highlighting the region’s steady growth forecast at 4% as well as revised upward inflation projection to 1.8% from 1.4% this year.
For ASEAN’s youth climate declaration to work, look at how China turns promises into proof
The ASEAN Declaration on the Empowerment of Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience, adopted at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu on May 8, is a welcome signal.
ASEAN to sign first digital economy pact in November
ASEAN is one step away from implementing its first digital economy pact, the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is set for signing at the 49th Summit in November this year.
Jakarta hosts Busworld as Southeast Asia eyes greener, smarter transport
The fourth Busworld Southeast Asia is currently taking place from 20–22 May at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in Indonesia. Firmly established as the region’s premier bus and coach exhibition, the event unites manufacturers, suppliers, operators and public officials.