The set of proposals is focused on the recovery and connection between the region’s economies, the creation of an inclusive and sustainable future, and the promotion of digital transformation.

The adoption of this program was held on March 8th and 9th in the city of Luang Prabang, Laos, in the context of the 30th Restricted Meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers.

During the meeting, the priorities for 2024 were also agreed upon. Trade in goods and services, the movement of people, investment, finance, intellectual property, and electronic commerce occupy a preferential place; the enabling Framework was approved by the participants.

As part of the agenda of the meeting, the ministers also discussed how to improve the existing agreements on ASEAN Trade in Goods (ATIGA), the Digital Economy (DEFA) and Competition, among other issues.

Data from the bloc’s Secretariat released during the meeting indicate that the Association’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.7 percent in 2023, a figure higher than the world average of 3.1%.

Earlier this month, Luang Prabang also hosted the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Retreat (ADMM-Retreat), which adopted a joint statement on the achievements in the implementation of the general plan of the Policy and Security Community 2025.

The forum allowed the exchange of points of view on the international and regional security environment. The participants reaffirmed the need to unite and maintain the central and leadership role in cooperation mechanisms in the region to respond promptly to emerging traditional and unconventional security challenges on time.

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